Some projects are more than just products. They are reflections of stories, of communities, and of cultures.

Nīḍa, a book lamp, is one such creation that manifests the rich heritage of Telangana while seamlessly integrating modern functionality. The journey of bringing this product to life began with an idea that would spark a deeper connection between tradition and contemporary design, resulting in a unique fusion of culture and technology.

The Genesis of an Idea

The inception of Nīḍa was rooted in a simple yet profound objective to create a truly Telangana-specific souvenir. This wasn't to be just another decorative piece, but a product that embodied the essence of the state’s rich history, culture, and transformation.

In a market saturated with iconic images of Telangana, such as the Charminar and Silver Filigree, the goal was to explore something lesser known, something that could stand out while capturing the cultural richness of the region.

As the search for inspiration began, it didn’t take long to stumble upon something truly special, Cheriyal paintings.

These paintings, originating from the Cheriyal village in Telangana, India, are a vibrant and unique form of scroll painting deeply rooted in the region's rich oral traditions. As part of the centuries-old Nakashi art form, they served as visual aids for storytelling by itinerant bards. Traditionally, these long scrolls depicted scenes from Indian epics and local folklore. Known for their bold outlines, flat colors, and narrative power, Cheriyal paintings were the perfect inspiration for our product, a modern interpretation of Telangana's historical art form.

Tradition Meets Technology

Once the Cheriyal paintings became the focal point of the concept, the challenge was to merge traditional art with functionality.

The vision was to develop a product that not only brought the artwork to life but also served a practical purpose, lighting up spaces while telling the story of Telangana. And so, the idea of a book lamp was born. But this was not to be just any lamp. The light itself would illuminate the artwork, guiding users through the culture, history, and beauty of the region.

The challenge was to integrate art and function seamlessly. It had to open and close like a book, unfolding the scenes and illuminating them with light, just as the paintings had once been revealed to tell their tales.

Crafting the Vision

As with all creative projects, this path was not without its challenges. The first hurdle was creating an intuitive mechanism to open and close the lamp in a way that resembled the turning of a page in a book. After multiple prototypes and much trial and error, we landed on an origami-inspired design, allowing the lamp to open and close smoothly while showcasing the intricate artwork inside.

Next, we had to choose the right materials. The lamp had to be lightweight yet durable, with enough strength to hold the detailed Cheriyal artwork while maintaining practicality. MDF was chosen for its ideal balance of strength, weight, and finish, and it allowed us to laser-cut precise shapes to bring the design to life. This careful selection of materials played a key role in ensuring that the lamp was both functional and artistically true to its roots.

Integrating Cheriyal Paintings

The integration of Cheriyal paintings into the lamp design presented its own set of challenges. These paintings are known for their bold, graphic style, with opaque colors that, traditionally, do not allow light to pass through. To maintain the vibrancy of the art while allowing the light to illuminate the scenes, we experimented with different pigments and materials. After extensive testing, we found the ideal formula that allowed the artwork to remain vivid and luminous.

Additionally, careful planning was required to ensure that the light source, wiring, and switches did not detract from the artwork. The electronics had to be discreetly housed beneath the paper layers, ensuring that the overall design remained clean and minimalist.

Assembling the Pieces

The intricate design of the lamp necessitated precise assembly. To achieve this, we developed a custom jig that ensured perfect alignment of each component. The packaging, too, was carefully considered. It had to be both protective and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the cultural fusion of the design. After several prototypes, we finalized a packaging design that complemented the product's narrative and celebrated the artistic legacy of Cheriyal art.

A Name That Speaks Volumes

Naming the product was another important step in the design process. We wanted a name that would encapsulate both the product's function and its cultural significance. After much deliberation, we chose the name Nīḍa, which means "lampshade" in Telugu. This simple yet meaningful name connected the product directly to its purpose, while also paying homage to the linguistic and cultural roots of the state.

Along with the name, the typography and graphic design were crucial to ensuring that the product’s visual identity resonated with Telangana’s cultural heritage. The Cheriyal artwork was seamlessly integrated into the typography, to create a design that reflected the fusion of tradition and modernity.

The Team

Each stage of the journey, from the initial concept to the final product, was shaped by the dedication and expertise of many talented people. Every member of the team played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the project, bringing their unique skills and knowledge to the table.

The team that helped bring Nīḍa to fruition included:

Product Design: Sanya Gupta
Artwork: Saikiran Dhanalakota
Electronics: Madhav Tenneti, Shekhar, Tapeshwar, Tanvi Vinayak
Graphic Design: Naomi Kundu, Spandana Arroju, Jayasri Sridhar
Product Narrative: Jayasri Sridhar, Hema Balakrishnan
Product Machining: Pranav Domadala, Raj Kumar, Kamlesh Kotabagi, Poojith Kaithi, Hiral Shah
Paper & Cloth Assembly: Madhuri Medisetti
Electronics Assembly: Shekhar, Revanth Rao
Material Procurement: Gopi Krishna, Syed Shahnawaz, Seshadri
Special Thanks: Shreyans Harsora, Nehal Sarangkar, Lasya Nadimpally, Joginder Tanikella

From material procurement to product machining, each person involved brought their expertise and passion to the project, and this collective effort is reflected in the final product..

The End Product

After months of research, prototyping, and refinement, Nīḍa was ready for its final reveal. It is a product that celebrates the past and present of Telangana, merging traditional art with contemporary design and functionality. Each lamp tells a unique story, brought to life through the vibrant Cheriyal paintings that adorn it. The light not only illuminates the space but breathes life into the colors and figures, creating an experience that echoes the tradition of storytelling in Telangana.

The Making of Nīḍa: Blending Tradition with Innovation