India’s only daily newspaper for Art, Architecture, and Design.
INTRODUCTION The origin of the name ‘Kullu’ can be traced to ‘kulant peeth’, signifying ‘the terminus of the inhabited world’. This picturesque valley settlement finds its snug abode nestled between the mighty lower and greater Himalayan ranges, harmoniously tracing the path of the Beas River. While a handful of hotels and resorts have emerged, life […]
Weaving Warmth: The Evolution and Artistry of Kullu Shawls Read More »
Iranian architecture extends back at least 5,000 years, with distinctive examples across Turkey and Iraq to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian/Iranian architecture has been described as “the most majestic structures the world has ever seen,” however, it also includes myriad buildings, including peasant huts, tea houses, gardens, palaces, pavilions, gates, and mosques.
INTRODUCTION Madhya Pradesh has held a significant position in the realm of weaving, tracing its origins back to texts from the 7th and 12th centuries. This longstanding tradition of textile craftsmanship endures to this day. Around 1350, Koshti weavers, hailing from Jhansi, embarked on a migratory journey to Chanderi, where they eventually settled. However, it
Ancient and Present Roots Of Chanderi Weaving in Madhya Pradesh Read More »
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