This storytelling session in Mumbai will shed light on palanquins with an exhibition

Chaise Palanquin (Chair Palanquin), coloured etchings by Baltazard Solvyns, from Les Hindoûs, Vol. III, 1808 - 1812

Sherline Pimenta has vivid childhood memories of Russia and Eastern Europe from the 1980s. The kicker? The Pune resident never stepped out of India growing up. "Travelling overseas wasn't feasible for us back in the day. But every time my grandfather narrated European folklore to put us to sleep, we felt like we were right there," recalls Pimenta, now an established storyteller. This weekend, when she conducts a session on palanquins - human-powered carriages from days gone by - it will be nothing short of travelling to a land far away for young city audiences.

Mejanah (Miyana), coloured etchings by Baltazard Solvyns, from Les Hindoûs, Vol. III, 1808 - 1812. PICS COURTESY/DR BHAU DAJI LAD MUSEUM

Palanquin comes from the Sanskrit word for a bed - palyanka. These carriages, or litters, were used primarily to carry the affluent and members of royal families across long and short distances. Through the session, children will learn not only about the individuals who had the privilege of being in one, but the bearers who made it all possible.

"Interestingly, operating a palanquin was more complex than you'd imagine. The bearers had a language that they would use to coordinate movements between the two ends of a palanquin," the storyteller reveals. More often than not, we learn, these palanquins would be relayed across more than one team of bearers to cover long distances. "They were human, after all," remarks Pimenta, adding that participants will learn about the efforts that went into the seemingly luxurious travels.

Sherline Pimenta narrates a story at a previous session at the museum

"I had to do my share of research; it's an ongoing process," she admits. However, the storyteller has a head start. "I was part of a storytelling session at the same venue back in 2018 that happened to feature a short bit about a palanquin. When People of Bengal: Coloured Etchings by F Baltazard Solvyns premiered at the museum earlier this year, they reached out to me to conduct a session focussed solely on palanquins," she recalls.

At the session, Pimenta will narrate folklore from rural Madhya Pradesh, sprinkled with fiction and educational narratives. "Stories are the best way to share information; especially with kids. It might be convenient to show them a boring presentation, but you can best believe that the moment they step out, they will have forgotten it," she chuckles.

Sherline Pimenta

To that end, Pimenta's session will be followed by a walk to remember. "With the context of the storytelling session, we will begin walkthrough of Solvyn's exhibition at the museum where they'll see the palanquins come to life," she shares.

A PhD scholar in storytelling from IIT Bombay, Pimenta will conclude the day with a workshop where children will craft their own palanquins. "With the help of cardboard boxes, we will craft and decorate mini palanquins. These activities remain etched in children's minds forever. I hope to spark an interest that transforms into a long-term journey in exploring and studying history and heritage," she signs off.

AGE GROUP 5 to 12 years
ON June 16; 4 pm onwards
AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East.
LOG ON TO @bdlmuseum
ENTRY Rs 100