The People's Orchestra
From a humble handcart in Satana to processions across Maharashtra—Rutuja Sonawane traces her father's 50-year journey with 'Swar Samrat', a brass band rooted in Ambedkarite ideals.
Published 30 December 2025
This has finished
- On view
- 12 December 2025 – 31 March 2026
- Times
- 10AM to 6PM (Mon to Sunday) Till March 31st, 2026
- Part of
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26
Where
Vallabhdas Kanji Limited (VKL Warehouse)
Event venue · no 6/951, Bazaar Road, Mattancherry
Fifty years ago, Bhagwan Sonawane pushed a handcart through the village of Satana. On it: brass instruments, original compositions, and the fierce belief that music could carry messages of equality.
Artist
Rutuja Sonawane (Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai)
Medium
Mixed Media and Found Objects, Acrylic on Canvas
This photograph is missing while the site moves.
About
Nearly 50 years ago, Bhagwan Sonawane established 'Swar Samrat', a modest brass band on a haath gaadi (handcart). With a small contingent equipped with brass instruments and a repertoire of original compositions deeply rooted in Ambedkarite teachings, many penned by Bhagwan himself, the band quickly earned recognition for their politically charged music.
Today, the humble cart from the village of Satana has become an indispensable fixture at political gatherings across Maharashtra. The once-simple setup has evolved into a procession-worthy ensemble mounted on large trucks, complete with elaborate sound systems, DJ booths, and dazzling lighting. Immersed in Ambedkarite ideals, her father's compositions that conveyed messages of education, equality, and empowerment are foundational values in her artistic practice. Through her installation, Rutuja traces the journey from handcart to grand procession, capturing her father's unwavering perseverance and enduring spirit.
The People's Orchestra is Rutuja Sonawane's tribute to her father's remarkable journey.