.svg)
Exterior Mural,
29.6 x 3.65 meter
Karjan,
Gujarat
2024
At the center of this large-scale mural, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III rides his majestic black horse, a dynamic reimagining of the iconic Kala Ghoda sculpture, recontextualized for the city of Vadodara. This is not a static monument but a symbol of progress and vision. Sayajirao becomes a metaphor for a city in transformation, merging its rich cultural legacy with a bold technological future.
The mural blends Vadodara’s landmarks and living traditions into a vibrant urban tapestry. From the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University and the architectural wonder of EME Temple to the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, the narrative pays homage to the city’s historical pride. Garba, the beloved dance form that unites the community during Navratri, pulses at the mural’s center, celebrating Vadodara’s spirit of joy, resilience, and togetherness.
This heritage is placed in vivid dialogue with icons of innovation—bullet trains, space missions, and VR technology symbols of India’s and Vadodara’s leap into a digital and sustainable future. Cricket, too, finds its place, represented through kinetic brushstrokes that echo the rhythm of play and fandom.
Created by Mr. Kalakar, this mural is a celebration of Vadodara’s layered identity: traditional and tech-savvy, historical and forward-looking. In Sayajirao’s gaze, we find not nostalgia but direction. The mural is an invitation to imagine a future rooted in local pride, creative energy, and collective momentum.
.svg)
.svg)
Mr. Kalakar India is the pen name of Rahul Kumawat, a Vadodara-based visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans mural art, large-scale installations, canvas painting, thread work, and paper quilling. Rooted in an appreciation of cultural identity and evolving heritage, Rahul’s work explores the dynamic intersection of tradition and modernity, often reflecting on how technological shifts reshape the stories we tell.
With a background in Interior Design (B.Sc. Hons., 2022), Rahul began his artistic journey in 2018 and turned professional in 2019. Since then, he has completed over 200 art projects and earned recognition for his efforts, including four world records. Among these is the world’s largest thread artwork, alongside monumental chalk and stone pieces. In 2022, he was named one of the Top 100 World Record Holders by the World Record Union.
Rahul’s journey has also extended beyond the studio. He represented Gujarat at the Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2022 as part of the NCC Army Wing, where he was felicitated by ADG Arvind Kapoor and honored by Asia’s first astronaut. His work has been showcased in NFT FYC 2022 and featured in the Times of India.
Currently, Rahul continues to create impactful artworks that leave a lasting emotional impression. He actively seeks collaborations that challenge the boundaries of scale, material, and imagination—bringing together a deep respect for heritage with an eye on the future.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Take a look at all our murals and immerse yourself into the rich culture of the city
.png)
