Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya: Guardian of the Maanbhatt Tradition
At 94 years of age, Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya stands as one of India’s most enduring custodians of traditional folk arts. His lifelong devotion to preserving Maanbhatt—a rare, classical form of Gujarati storytelling—culminated in one of India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 2026, awarded for his distinguished contribution to art and culture.
Born in 1932 in Baroda (now Vadodara), Gujarat, Pandya inherited an artistic legacy deeply rooted in the Akhyan tradition from his father, Shri Chunilal Vyas. From an early age, he immersed himself in this unique narrative art, mastering its rhythms, melodies, and devotional essence. Over seven decades later, he has emerged not only as its most celebrated performer but also as its fiercest advocate.
What Is Maanbhatt?
Maanbhatt is a venerable form of Gujarati vocal and narrative art. It combines poetic storytelling with melodic recitation of legendary epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas. Unlike conventional theatre, a Maanbhatt performance is typically a solo act, where the artist uses a simple yet evocative set-up: a large brass or copper pot called the maan, partially filled with water. Tapping the rim with fingers, the performer creates rhythmic beats that accompany the vocal delivery—bringing range, emotion, and drama to every episode.
This rare art has ancient origins, with references in classical Gujarati literature dating back to the 12th century. It experienced its golden era between the 15th and 17th centuries, led by masters like Premanand Bhatt, whose poetic compositions set a standard for later storytellers. Yet by the 20th century, Maanbhatt was fading, with fewer practitioners and diminishing audience engagement. Pandya’s work—spanning performance, teaching, and writing—was pivotal in stopping this cultural erosion.
A Lifetime of Performances and Devotion
For more than 73 years, Pandya dedicated himself to this art form, enthralling audiences across India and abroad. As a Maanbhatt, he has performed over 2,500 Akhyans—elaborate narrative episodes that blend devotion, music, and philosophy. These performances ranged from episodes of the Shri Harivansh Puran broadcast on All India Radio to international cultural showcases in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
His repertoire includes not just the classical epics but also compositions that explore moral and spiritual themes, reaching listeners across generations. His ability to evoke deep emotion, convey complex philosophical ideas in lucid language, and adapt ancient stories for modern audiences made him a revered icon among scholars, artists, and lay audiences alike.
Beyond performance, Pandya is an author, having written books that document techniques, interpretations, and history of the Akhyan art. These publications serve as invaluable resources for scholars and enthusiasts striving to understand the genre’s nuances and its place within the larger Indian storytelling tradition.
Teaching and Legacy
Recognizing that preservation of art requires transmission to future generations, Pandya established the Shri Mann Akhyan Kala Shikshan Kendra—a learning center dedicated to training young artists. Here, he mentored disciples in vocal techniques, rhythmic mastery, emotive storytelling, and performance tradition. Under his guidance, many have become adept practitioners, ensuring that the tribal rhythms and sacred narratives continue to echo in contemporary times.
Pandya’s efforts extended beyond classroom training. He often urged cultural institutions, educators, and policy makers to include Maanbhatt in school syllabi, emphasizing the connection between art, language, and cultural identity. His advocacy highlighted that the survival of traditional arts is not merely an aesthetic concern but a matter of safeguarding cultural memory.
Recognition and the Padma Shri
In January 2026, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards—recognizing exceptional achievement across fields such as art, science, education, and public service. Among the recipients was Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, honored with the Padma Shri for his distinguished service in art from Gujarat.
This award formally acknowledges his decades of relentless work to preserve and enrich the Maanbhatt tradition. For Pandya, the recognition was not personal—it was a tribute to his father, his guru, and the ancient art form itself. His acceptance speeches and interviews repeatedly emphasize that this honor symbolizes recognition of Gujarati folk culture and its rightful place in India’s diverse artistic heritage.
Cultural Impact and Importance
Pandya’s journey is emblematic of how individual dedication can stem the tide against cultural extinction. Traditional arts like Maanbhatt are not merely performance practices—they are vessels of collective values, morality, and history. Through lyrical recitation of epics and spiritual accounts, audiences are invited to reflect on deep ethical questions, communal harmony, and spiritual introspection. Pandya’s contributions have opened doors for renewed cultural dialogues between rural traditions and contemporary artistic audiences.
His life’s work intersects with larger efforts within India to preserve intangible cultural heritage. Folk art forms, often overlooked during rapid modernization, anchor societies to their roots. Pandya’s emphasis on education, performance, and documentation offers a model for how traditional arts can thrive in modern contexts without losing their integrity.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy
Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya’s story is a tapestry woven with tradition, resilience, and artistic brilliance. From his humble beginnings in Baroda to national recognition at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Pandya’s life reflects a devotion not just to performance, but to cultural stewardship. His decades of storytelling have enriched Gujarat’s artistic legacy while inviting the world to appreciate one of India’s most unique narrative traditions.
As he continues to mentor young Maanbhatt practitioners and advocate for greater cultural preservation, Pandya’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of storytelling—an art form that transcends time, bridges generations, and preserves the soul of a civilization.
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