Ever wondered why Uttar Pradesh’s state emblem has two fish on it? Let us take you through the fascinating stories and legacy behind it.
Uttar Pradesh is a storehouse of unmatched craftsmanship honed over centuries by families or clans of craftsmen who have been known to create magic with their art and craft. These adept hands can even turn mud into exquisite masterpieces, mirroring their unparalleled skill and creativity. Give them wood, metal, fabric, or even recycled materials, they will imbibe their magic in all their works.
One such form is found in Maudaha, a town of Hamirpur district in the Bundelkhand region. For over 300 years, craftsmen of this town have been handcrafting fish in silver. This silver fish, often with a movement, has not just been an auspicious product for Indians, but a matter of pride for the country on the global stage. Today, it has also been included in ODOP by the government, owing to its uniqueness.
The Journey of the Fish. A Legacy of Luck.
It is said that around 1724, during Saadat Ali Khan’s river journey to capture Lucknow, two fish leapt onto his boat. The Nawab thought of this as a favourable sign and a good omen. Carrying the fish with him, he pressed on, ultimately seizing Lucknow. Recognising those fish as harbingers of victory, he adopted them as symbols of Awadh, attributing his triumph to their presence. The twin fish also became a sign and part of royal insignia in Awadh and was even awarded as ‘Mahi Maratib’, the highest bravery honour during the reign of the Nawabs.
Subsequently, the craftsmen of Maudaha started crafting the silver fish mementos, which were considered auspicious by both Hindus and Muslims alike, transcending communal divides as a shared token of good fortune and wealth.
The significance of fish in Hindu traditions is also noteworthy. It is said that Lord Vishnu incarnated as a fish, known as his ‘Matsyavtar’, to rescue the world from the demon ‘Hayagriva’. This story imbues the fish with auspicious symbolism. During the Diwali festival, presenting or acquiring a silver fish is considered exceptionally auspicious, reflecting the deep-rooted reverence for this divine symbol.
Today, the twin fish symbols can be found on the facades of numerous old and grand structures throughout Lucknow, particularly in the old part. These iconic motifs serve as enduring reminders of Awadh’s bygone era, keeping old legends alive and giving people a reason to discuss the city’s heritage. From regal kothis to ornate gateways, the presence of these twin fish still symbolises luck, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of this vibrant city. You will even spot them on the Rumi Darwaza and Imambara, two breathtaking monuments which are synonymous with Lucknow’s image worldwide.
One such significant monument was Macchi Bhawan, which is probably credited with adoption of the ‘Fish symbol’ on all historical architectures in Awadh. This building is said to be the only one built in stone instead of brick and mortar in the Mughal era. The architecture of the building consisted of six doors, all adorned with a pair of fish, with a total of sixty two fish on all of its gates, facades and doors. Machhi Bhawan remained a British garrison with quite a few civilian constructions in it till 1877. In the place of this Bhawan, the KGMU exists today.
Today these twin fish motifs grace Uttar Pradesh’s state emblem, symbolising the amalgamation of auspicious legacy bestowed by its Muslim rulers and Hindu traditions.The emblem of Uttar Pradesh features two fish (‘matsya’) alongside other iconic elements such as the Y-shaped image representing the confluence of the sacred rivers Yamuna and Ganga, and a bow and arrow, symbolising Lord Ram and his ancient capital Ayodhya, which lies within the boundaries of Uttar Pradesh. Each component of the emblem carries profound significance, but the inclusion of the twin fish is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects a convergence of both Hindu and Muslim narratives. These fish corroborate the rich heritage of the land. Present on the historical buildings and deeply immersed in culture, these fish aren’t merely symbols but represent a legacy of craftsmanship and artistry passed down through generations.
Symbols of Fortune Become the Artisans’ Sustenance
Once a flourishing art, mentioned even in the pages of Ain-I- Akbari by Abul Fazal, the silver fish craftsmanship is now limited to only one family in the Maudaha Village. The family of Jageshwar Prasad Soni, the man who was honoured in 1980 by the then Chief Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh, is keeping the tradition and craft alive. Interestingly, an ancestor of Jageshwar Prasad Soni called Tulsi Das was awarded by Queen Victoria in 1810 after being amazed by this extraordinary craftsmanship. In those times, these auspicious symbols were exported in large quantities to numerous countries, including Britain and various Muslim nations, where they were highly sought after due to their association with good luck.
Today, the 14th generation of this family is still keeping this craft from fading. Rajendra Soni, Omprakash Soni and Ramprakash Soni constitute the family’s present generation practising this craft. They are continually trying to preserve this craft by including creative amends to the traditional form of this popular souvenir.
Crafted with expertise by the Soni family, the fish making process involves several meticulous steps. Initially, the fish tails are shaped, followed by a technique known as ‘Jeera Kataan,’ where silver leaves are cut into pieces with delicate slits. Subsequently, the head, mouth, and fins are attached, with their eyes created in red. These silver fish are also embellished at times.
Notably, these silver fish figurines are celebrated not only for their intricate craftsmanship but also for their captivating movement, a feature with an intriguing backstory. In the history of the family, there’s a tale of Gulab Das, an ancestor determined to showcase his unique craftsmanship in the court of Maharaja Charkhari of Mahoba, aspiring for acclaim. Thus he handcrafted a beautiful silver fish that could move and presented it at the king’s court. When questioned by the king about the fish’s unique quality, Gulab Das placed it in a large platter brimming with water. To everyone’s amazement, the fish started moving vigorously in the water and even leaping out of the vessel. The king and all present were left astounded by this remarkable display of craftsmanship. Gulab Das was appropriately awarded.
The Road Ahead
The silver fish, revered for its auspicious symbolism, experiences heightened demand during Diwali, a time when prayers for wealth and abundance abound. Recognizing the significance of preserving this unique craft and safeguarding cultural heritage, concerted efforts have been initiated to promote its appreciation and ensure its continuity for future generations.
Efforts are underway to promote this unique craft, ensuring its preservation for future generations while safeguarding cultural heritage. To substantiate, the silver fish of Maudaha has been included in the ODOP (one district one product) initiative of the government. This has boosted its demand further, giving it a global validity.
It’s imperative that we support both the craft and its artisans against the onslaught of fast fashion and evolving tastes. Furthermore, these indigenous crafts of the state should be widely celebrated as exquisite gifting options for festivals, gatherings, ceremonies, conferences, and corporate events alike. The villages and towns of the state harbour countless such unsung talents, which deserve recognition and preservation against the passage of time.
These initiatives extend beyond mere promotion, aiming to provide sustainable support to the skilled artisans behind this intricate craft. By nurturing their livelihoods and fostering an environment where their craftsmanship can thrive, the state is not only appreciating their artistry but also empowering them to flourish deservingly.