Osmania University Introduces New Art Form “Paragamanjari”
Osmania University in Hyderabad unveiled a new and innovative art form called “Paragamanjari” on Wednesday. This unique concept brings together the detailed study of pollen grains and textile design. The university is using the tiny, yet intricate, patterns found in pollen (which are about 10-100 micrometers in size) to create beautiful and eye-catching designs for fabrics.
The name “Paragamanjari” comes from the Sanskrit words “Paraga,” meaning pollen, and “Manjari,” meaning design. This idea was developed by Dr. Allam Vijaya Bhasker Reddy, an Assistant Professor from the Botany Department, and one of his students, Shivani Netha, a postgraduate student. Their work has introduced a fresh perspective in textile design, similar to famous Indian traditions like Kalamkari, Pochampally, Dharmavaram, and Uppada.
The university has already submitted the concept for patent approval. According to a senior official, once the patent is approved, Paragamanjari is expected to have a major impact on both the textile and design industries. This innovation not only adds to India’s rich textile heritage but also opens up new possibilities for creating thousands of fresh and diverse patterns.
This breakthrough is a significant collaboration between botany and textile technology, taking the study of pollen (a field known as palynology) beyond academic research and into the world of fashion and design.
In the future, Paragamanjari is expected to be included in textile technology courses, showing how natural science and creative industries can work together to inspire new forms of art and design.
