Maharashtrian Heritage Murals: Wada Architecture Restored
A deep dive into the 14.5-foot mural for the Aditya Birla Group, where we translated the rhythm, festivals, and architecture of Maharashtrian Wadas into a modern corporate space.
This project for Aditya Birla was special. We were tasked with bringing Maharashtrian heritage to life in a contemporary space, a 14.5 by 24 foot mural that we completed in just 10 days through focused, disciplined work.
The journey for the Aditya Birla mural began with a deep dive into the cultural narrative of Maharashtrian Wada architecture. This video shows our team sculpting and shaping the clay elements that would form the foundation of this heritage piece.
Every large scale project begins with a quiet sketch. This reference image for the Birla Evam mural shows the Gudi Padwa festival, a key cultural element that we translated into the final 3D artwork.
From render to reality. This image shows the comparison between the initial digital render and the final handcrafted mural, highlighting the precision and artistry involved in bringing a concept to life on a large scale.
This concept image was a key reference for the Wada mural, helping us define the proportions and architectural details of a traditional courtyard. It guided our work in creating an authentic and immersive experience.
This mural is more than a visual, it is a preservation of cultural memory. Here you can see the installation process, with our team working on scaffolding to bring the intricate details of the Wada architecture to life.
Behind the scenes at the Aditya Birla site. Our team is seen here preparing the hand sculpted floral elements, a small but crucial part of the large scale heritage mural.
The process of creating the Wada mural involved hand sculpting every detail. This clip shows the delicate work of shaping leaves from clay, which were later added to the mural to create a sense of natural life within the architectural scene.
Precision is key in our work. Here, I am using tools to add fine details to the sculpted elements of the Wada mural, ensuring every line and texture contributes to the overall story.
A member of my team carefully works on a piece of the mural, using a cone to apply ceramic paste for detailed patterns. This technique is similar to decorating a cake and allows for incredible precision.
About Heritage Reimagined: The Wada Mural
The Aditya Birla mural was a 14.5 by 24 foot undertaking. We completed this entire relief in 10 days. That intensity is rare, but it happens when there is deep trust between the client and the artist. When you see those figures and architectural arches, know that every leaf and stone was sculpted by hand using ceramic paste and organic binders to anchor a modern office in the history of the Peshwa era.
From Concept to Heritage
Translating the complexity of traditional Maharashtrian Wada architecture into a modern lobby requires more than just artistic skill. It requires an understanding of the structure itself. For the Birla Evam project, we focused on the cultural narrative. We studied the courtyards, the Gudi Padwa celebrations, and the clothing of the era to ensure the artwork felt authentic.
The Process of Building Relief
Every mural starts with a sketch, but the building process is what makes it last. We do not just apply paint. We use a base of clay and marble powder. For larger structural elements, we incorporate coconut coir, known locally as sutli, to reinforce the form. This adds strength without adding toxic weight. We hand-sculpt the details directly onto the wall, which means the texture is continuous, seamless, and free from the jarring joints found in pre-cast panels.
Why Wada Architecture?
The appeal of Wada-style murals lies in their ability to make a space feel rooted. In a contemporary office or home, a piece of heritage art provides a sense of belonging. It connects the architecture of the space to the cultural identity of the people using it. Whether it is a small home foyer or a large-scale corporate entrance, these pieces are designed to survive sunlight, dust, and time, serving as a permanent record of our local history.
Durability and Maintenance
We seal these works with high-grade, non-toxic materials. You do not need to worry about cleaning them. A simple damp cloth is enough to keep the dust off the relief. Because we use ceramic epoxy and natural binders, these murals are designed for a life of 20 years or more, becoming a permanent architectural feature rather than a temporary decoration.
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