Muslim miniature artist crafts gold ‘charan paduka’ for Ayodhya temple

Udaipur: A pair of miniature footwear (charan paduka) made of pure gold and meant to be sent to the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is drawing a fresh round of attention to its renowned creator, Iqbal Sakka, and notions of religion in art and artists.
The Udaipur-based miniature artist has also crafted a miniature bell and a gold brick inscribed with the word ‘Ram’.
These three latest creations reinforce the Muslim artist’s reverence for Lord Rama. The 59-year-old Sakka has also written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ram Mandir Trust, requesting that these artifacts be displayed on the Ram temple premises.
“Art is universal, and an artist is not bound by any religious constraints. I use my art to celebrate cultural heritage and unity. Art is a bridge that connects diverse communities through a shared cultural appreciation,” said Sakka, who holds the distinction of being the only artist in India with over 100 world records to his name. He has also created miniature art pieces for a mosque, including a jug and a miniature Quran.
He has written a letter to the Babri Masjid Trust, seeking permission to send these pieces to them. “Once I receive the necessary approvals, I would like to send my artwork to these places as my gifts and symbols of harmony and unity in India,” said Sakka.
Earlier this year, Sakka drew attention by making the smallest tricolour in the world, one that can be viewed only through a magnifying glass.
Sakka has also made the world’s smallest holy book, a tiny work of 64 pages in which he engraved the religious symbols of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and others.