REINCARNATION
Chakra
Katha
In the eternal rhythm of life: where beginnings and endings intertwine, Chakra Katha-Reincarnation through the spin of a toy, unfolds. Inspired by the rich heritage of Channapatna Toys, a traditional craft celebrated for its intricate woodwork and spinning forms, this project explores the cycles of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It invites audiences to reflect on the power of continuity, the beauty of rebirth, and the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future.
Year: 2023
Type: Master's Project
Based on: Research and Manufacturing Led

Chakra Katha
CONTEXT
Reincarnation, also known as "samsara," is a fundamental principle in Buddhism and Hinduism. It symbolizes the never-ending journey of the soul, including the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. The belief holds that the soul is eternal and changes bodies after death, traveling through multiple lifetimes. The enchanting world of storytelling has captivated me since childhood. As I snuggled under the covers, my grandmother's soothing voice would weave tales filled with wonder and wisdom. These bedtime stories, along with narratives, were not just stories, they served as the cornerstones for my idea of ethics, duties, and life, altogether defining the cultural cradle I grew up in.
Once upon a time...
How can Storytelling be leveraged to examine Rotational play as Fashion Artefacts while conveying tales of Reincarnation?
but, why?
CAUSE
This childhood fascination inspired the study proposal Chakra Katha: Reincarnation through the Spin of a Toy (translated as Whirling Tales).
The concept of rebirth weaves through civilizations, reflected in cultural symbols that connect individuals across time. Objects, like toys, are carriers of stories, energies, and histories, linking us to the past and uniting communities. They endure as witnesses to change, embodying the passage of time.
Despite their seeming differences, toys and fashion share a surprising common thread – their ability to act as cultural storytellers. Passed down through generations, toys transmit values and beliefs, while both mediums convey narratives and ideologies deeply rooted in human expression and societal identity.

Cyclical Journey: Symbols & Stories
SYMBOLISM AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURES
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The Bhavachakra in Buddhism visually represents Samsara, illustrating the endless cycle of rebirth driven by karma and the "three poisons" (ignorance, greed, and aversion). It is not just a picture but a teaching/pedagogical tool in Buddhism. “It is a visual guide to understanding Samsara, which is considered an Endless Cycle of Suffering because of its loop”.
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Both traditions (Hinduism and Buddhism) employ a circular structure to depict the cyclical nature of reincarnation. The triskele (The oldest recognised emblem for spiritual practices) symbolizes the continuous flow of consciousness across lifetimes, emphasizing interconnectedness and spiritual evolution.
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The Sufi whirling dance mirrors this cyclical nature, as dancers spin around a central axis, symbolizing the soul’s journey toward divine unity.




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From indigenous rituals to global consumer markets, toys bridge the gap between past and present, offering insights into the convoluted tapestry of human culture and imagination.
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Among these, spinning tops stand out as enduring symbols of cultural storytelling.
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The eternal motion of spinning tops is in constant motion, with no clear beginning or end, mirroring the cyclical nature of reincarnation in many belief systems.
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Its outer form (circular movement) is a simple yet powerful symbol. reflecting unity and perpetual motion.
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‘Twirling tops have been used for thousands of years in many different cultures. Almost every civilization has used it in some form.



