Pandi Ram Mandavi is a wood carver and belongs to the Muriya tribe. He is also known for the present commercial form of Bastar flute. At the age of 12, he learnt the art of carving wood from his forefathers. An encounter with a tourist, who showed interest in the wooden combs, made Pandi Ram realized that even these are saleable items. His exposure to the country began when Adivasi Lok kala Parishad started frequently calling Pandi to Bhopal. He became famous in 1960s and has traveled all around the world with his art works. His works include relief sculptures in wooden panels, standing sculptures, bamboo flutes, wooden combs and tobacco pouches. He is a popular figure and one of the legends of Bastar. People know him as Pandi Ram.
