Mythology are not just about gods, they are concepts and ideas: Devdutt Pattanaik

Writer and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik on Wednesday described mythology as concepts and ideas and not just about gods. He also lamented that modern cities have lost the touch of aestheticism that was the heritage of the country. "Mythology is not about gods but about concepts, about ideas... When you think of mythology (as only of gods), that is the tragedy of our education," Pattanaik told reporters after launching an exhibition of works by the late artist Dashrath Patel.

The author of the best-selling title 'Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata' was replying to a question whether mythology is invading every aspect of lives in present-day India. "No human society can exist without mythology, every tribe in India has its mythology... If you respect that as people's truth, you will be happy.

The more you appreciate mythology, the happier will you be," he said. Pattanaik, the author of 'Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana', said Indian cities are turning uglier day by day. "Every city is competing to be ugly. We try to put up a mural here, a statue there but that is not connected. Something is missing as we have lost touch with the aesthetic heritage," he said.

From the rangoli on the floor to the paintings on the wall, to the artwork on urns - everything has the touch of aesthetics, said the mythologist who authored 'Shikhandi: And Other Tales they Don't Tell You'. "None knows what is North Indian art, East Indian art, Assamese, Manipuri, Bengali or Odiya art. Each state has its own art but I think that is (getting) lost," Pattanaik said.

He inaugurated 'School', an exhibition of work by artist and posthumous Padma Bhushan recipient Dashrath Patel. The exhibition included a wide selection of Patel's line drawings, ceramics, photographs and collages from 1930s-2000 tracing his journey across mediums and types and his photography. Patel is a contemporary of modern masters such as Tyeb Mehta, M F Husain and SH Raza.

Internationally known artist Nassia Inglessis, whose 'Disobedience' installation was also showcased at the venue. "It is about expression, it is about engaging in a new behaviour and new way to perceive the word. I view installation as a reflection of what is the boundary...In my work, I cross the boundary. I use science, engineering design, art all coming together to create a piece," she said.