India’s only daily newspaper for Art, Architecture, and Design.
Mashru, a radiant blend of cotton and silk, is believed to have its origins in the Kutch and Patan areas of what is now Gujarat. The name “mashru” is derived from an Arabic term signifying ‘permissible’ or ‘lawful’. With a history extending back to at least the 16th century, this fabric was initially created […]
Tale of a ‘Forbidden’ Textile: The Mashru Story Read More »
Revered Art of Pichwai Originating in Nathdwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan, pichwai is a devotional custom where cloth is painted with revered images and hung behind the deity. This practice emerged in the 17th-century shrine of Nathdwara when an idol of Krishna was moved from Mathura during Aurangzeb’s reign. “Pichwai,” which translates to “that which hangs
Crafting Divinity: Pichwai Tradition and its Artistic and Devotional Resonance Read More »
Introduction: Dr. Jyotindra Jain is a renowned Indian scholar, who has authored several articles, books and staged exhibitions on traditional Indian folk arts and cultures as well as popular visual cultures. His interest in Indian art and culture identified him as a potential and pioneering academic scholar. Dr. Jyotindra Jain, born on June 5th, 1943,
Dr. Jyotindra Jain: A Pioneering Scholar and visionary of Indian Art and Culture. Read More »
Tradition Meets Innovation at Craft Council of India’s Textile Show Textile enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Craft Council of India’s highly-anticipated Textile Show opens its doors on August 4. With the theme of ‘Revive, Revisit, Reimagine – and Innovate,’ this exhibition celebrates the boundless creativity of weaver-designer-artisans who breathe new life into
The Reality of Climate Change As we confront the urgency of the climate crisis, the impact of rising sea levels cannot be ignored. Coastal communities, home to around 900 million people, face the acute threat of disappearing due to increasing flood risks. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods like seawalls, some architects are pioneering
The Turkish province of Central Anatolia’s Cappadocia contains the deepest unearthed underground city, known as Derinkuyu. Cappadocia is a stunning natural marvel, home to magnificent fairy chimneys and eroded tunnels, and it is a breathtaking geological show. Additionally, it is laced with deep underground chambers and tunnels that have served as hiding places for numerous
Once a Safety Spot Now a Terrorist Hub: The Underground City of Turkey Read More »
Architecture, as a discipline, has long been intertwined with cultural identity and societal influences. This article looks into the complex relationship between architecture and culture, tracing its historical foundations and questioning its universality. By excavating through several layers of cultural influences, we aim to understand the significance of cultural identity in architectural discourse and its
Kodali Karuppur Village, nestled by River Kollidam, once thrived with a centuries-old textile industry, renowned for crafting Kodali Karuppur sarees. Today, the textile infrastructure is gone, but the village remains picturesque, sustained by agriculture. Its ancient temples and the flowing river still attract visitors, preserving the essence of its rich heritage. The tale of the
Forgotten Textile of Tamil Nadu: A Vanishing Craft of Karuppur Cloth Read More »
There is a video doing the rounds on Instagram wherein a lady dressed in a beautiful saree made out of Khun, Khann or Khanna cloth does a walkthrough of the cloth weavers district in Bagalkote district in Karnataka. This is a lesser known weaving tradition from Karnataka that needs to be promoted and spoken about
Rangoli, an ancient Indian art form, is a vibrant and captivating way of adorning the floors of homes and public spaces during festive occasions. This article will look into the world of Rangoli designs, exploring their significance, history, and the process of creating them. Join us as we unravel the beauty and cultural heritage behind
11 Best Rangoli Designs: Unveiling the Beauty of Rangoli Designs Read More »