64 Kala in India and Their Relationship with Design Thinking: A Journey Through Time and Creativity
In India, the idea of "64 Kala" or "64 Arts" is woven deeply into the cultural fabric, like the delicate threads of a beautifully embroidered sari. These 64 skills or arts aren’t just about making things pretty—they are rooted in a form of creative, practical intelligence that echoes the essence of design thinking long before it was a buzzword in the modern world.
But what exactly are these 64 Kalas, and why are they considered not only essential but a blessing? Let’s take a quirky and fun ride through the world of ancient arts, creativity, and problem-solving, and see how these Kalas helped shape human evolution.
What Are the 64 Kalas?
The 64 Kalas are a collection of artistic, cultural, and practical skills that range from music, dance, and painting, to the more pragmatic arts like architecture, agriculture, and even the art of communication. In a way, these 64 Kalas serve as a blueprint for human evolution—guiding people not just in creativity but in how they engage with the world around them. Think of them as the original "toolkit" for living a fulfilling, balanced, and dynamic life.
Imagine you’re an artist, but also a builder, a healer, a musician, and a philosopher. That’s what the 64 Kalas offer—a wide spectrum of skills that empower you to think holistically, solve problems, and adapt to the challenges of your world. They’re a true reflection of design thinking—observing the needs, empathizing with the challenges, and creating solutions that are both functional and beautiful.
The Kalas as Problem Solvers: The Ancient “Design Thinking” Process
Let’s dive into how these 64 Kalas exemplify the core principles of design thinking: empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and iteration.
Empathy – The foundational principle of design thinking is empathy: understanding the needs, experiences, and emotions of the user. One of the 64 Kalas, the art of "Natyashastra" (the science of dramatic arts), highlights the importance of understanding human emotions. In dance and theater, performers embody various characters and emotions, creating an empathetic connection with the audience. This is similar to how modern designers think about their target user and aim to create products that resonate with real-life feelings and experiences.
Problem Definition – Another Kala is the art of "Vastu Shastra" (the science of architecture). Just like a modern architect, a practitioner of Vastu Shastra would define the problem first: How do you build a home that is not only functional but aligns with cosmic energy? In design thinking, this is akin to identifying the core challenge before jumping into solutions. Whether it's creating a space that promotes well-being or designing a product that meets a specific user need, defining the problem is where it all starts.
Ideation – One Kala that stands out in the ideation process is "Rangoli" (the art of creating patterns using colored powders). Rangoli artists don’t just throw random patterns on the floor—they ideate, creating intricate designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and have cultural significance. It’s a process of brainstorming and experimentation, very much like how modern designers sketch out ideas and explore solutions before choosing the final design.
Prototyping – The art of "Pottery" is a classic example of prototyping in the Kalas. The potter doesn’t create the perfect bowl on the first try. Instead, they mold and shape the clay, iterating and refining their design until they get it just right. This mirrors the iterative process in design thinking, where prototypes are tested, tweaked, and refined until the final product is functional and well-designed.
Iteration – The art of "Weaving" is a perfect metaphor for iteration. Much like the slow, deliberate process of weaving intricate patterns into cloth, design thinking requires careful weaving of ideas and feedback into the final product. Every thread represents a small adjustment or improvement, building towards a harmonious whole.
The Evolutionary Impact of the 64 Kalas
The 64 Kalas weren’t just a list of hobbies or crafts—they were tools for survival and progress. By honing these arts, ancient humans weren’t just learning to create beautiful things—they were learning to adapt, solve problems, and innovate in every area of life.
Take the Kala of Agriculture—understanding how to cultivate crops and raise animals wasn’t just a nice skill to have; it was essential for survival. Early farmers used design thinking principles when choosing crops, deciding how to irrigate, or figuring out how to use every inch of land. They empathized with nature, defined the needs of the soil and the crops, and iterated on their techniques until they found the best ways to feed themselves.
Similarly, the Kala of Medicine—or Ayurveda—was about understanding the human body, much like how modern designers focus on creating products that cater to specific user needs. Ayurveda was an ancient form of health design thinking, balancing body, mind, and spirit with customized solutions for every individual. These were not just remedies; they were holistic designs aimed at maintaining equilibrium.
In the artistic realm, the Kala of Music is a prime example of how creativity fosters human evolution. Music wasn't just for entertainment; it was deeply connected to community rituals, healing, and even communication. Think of it as the original "user engagement" tool—creating harmony, building connections, and fostering well-being, all through sound.
Why Are the 64 Kalas a Blessing?
So why are these 64 Kalas considered a blessing? It’s simple—because they empower us. They are the tools through which we shape our reality, solve problems, and express our creativity. They are a way to design our lives. Each Kala is a unique skill set that helps us meet the challenges of the world, just as modern design thinkers approach problems with diverse solutions and perspectives.
By mastering these 64 Kalas, early humans ensured their ability to adapt and thrive. They weren’t just building homes or creating art—they were building minds that could think critically, solve problems, and find beauty in every corner of life.
In today’s world, the importance of these Kalas doesn’t diminish. In fact, they offer timeless wisdom in how to approach life creatively, thoughtfully, and innovatively. Whether it’s the art of communication, architecture, dance, or even cooking, these Kalas teach us to blend functionality with beauty, to iterate and improve, and to empathize with the needs of the world around us.
Conclusion: The Original Designers of Life
In a world of constant change, the 64 Kalas remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. They are, in many ways, the original designers of life. From problem-solving through agriculture to creating art and fostering human connections through music, these arts teach us that design is not just about aesthetics or products; it’s about shaping life itself.
So, let’s consider ourselves blessed to inherit the wisdom of these 64 Kalas—because in them, we find the key to creating solutions, living harmoniously, and, of course, thinking like a designer!
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