Rons Bantwal 

Mumbai, Sep 8: "Among the sixty-four traditional arts, the 'riddle' (Ogatu) has firmly established its place as a prominent art form. It is the artistic challenge of concealing a subject through an analogy and prompting others to uncover the hidden meaning," said senior scholar Dr Prabhu Angadi.

He was speaking as a resource person at a seminar on 'Riddles and Folk Diversity', jointly organised by the Mayura Varma Cultural Foundation, Mumbai, and the A N B Memorial Trust, Bengaluru, at the Kuvempu Auditorium of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat in Bengaluru recently.

Elaborating on the structure of riddles, Dr Angadi explained that a riddle contains an 'Upamana' (analogy), which is explicit, and an 'Upameya' (subject), which is kept secret. "In Sanskrit, a riddle is called 'Prahelika' or 'Brahmamedhya'—a clever art of using mystery in question-and-answer interactions. Even today, coded language resembling riddles is used in politics, religion, and various trades. Riddles constantly adapt to changing times, reflecting the ingenuity of those who use them," he said. He also cited a classic example: "It has one eye but is not a crow; it needs a hole but is not a snake; it expands and shrinks but is not the sea or the moon. What is it? A needle and thread."

Resource person Dr Rishidev Bhargava shed light on the usage of riddles in the Puranas and Sanskrit literature, while Dr Maithili Rao shared insights into the diverse riddles used in North India and the Hindi language. Omkarapriya Bagepalli explained how the folk art of riddling serves as a stressbuster and promotes mental well-being.

Presiding over the event, Madhusudan T R, president of the Mayura Varma Cultural Foundation, lauded the 84-year-old president of the A N B Memorial Trust, Agumbe Nataraj, stating that his unyielding zest for life and curiosity remain a model for today's youth. "While we are increasingly confined by technology, folk arts like riddles refresh our minds, awaken our intellect, and infuse us with renewed energy," Madhusudan remarked.

Vishwanath Dodmane, founder of the foundation, delivered the introductory address and outlined the organisation's objectives. Agumbe Nataraj shared his personal reflections on the impact of proverbs and riddles.

The programme commenced with a musical rendition by Nishitha G R and a folk dance by Pranathi. Keshav Kible welcomed the gathering. Srikala Hamsa compered the event and proposed the vote of thanks. Suresh Hegde of Sirikala Mela, retired IAS officer and writer Vishwanath, Satish Kumar K C, and several literature enthusiasts were present.