India’s only daily newspaper for Art, Architecture, and Design.
Himroo, a word derived from Persia, holds a regal past. Once, it was intricately woven with threads of pure gold and silver, crafted exclusively for the noble families. The tale begins when a group of skilled weavers migrated from Delhi to Daulatabad in the 14th century, near Aurangabad, prompted by King Mohammad Bin Tughlaq’s decision […]
A Weave as Old as Time: Story of Himroo Fabrics Read More »
The culture and traditions of Himachal are as old as civilisation in the Himalayas themselves. The locals knew and understood the region well and developed their habitats in sync with the local resources. This synchronisation between man and nature has been in place for centuries. Himachal’s rich cultural heritage is a
All You Need to Know About KATHKUNI – Himanchal’s Sustainable Architecture Read More »
In the heartland of Karnataka, lies an exquisite craft called Lambani embroidery. It is also known as Sandur Lambani embroidery, is an art form practised by the Lambani tribe, custodians of this enchanting tradition. With its roots tracing back to the 16th century when the Lambani tribe migrated from Rajasthan to Karnataka, this embroidery has
Threaded Works of Art: The Case of Lambani Embroidery from Karnataka Read More »
In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, an ancient craft teeters on the edge of extinction. The Kashmiri copperware industry, once vibrant and thriving, now faces the overwhelming dominance of machine-made products. However, amidst this gloom, one artisan stands tall, Mohammad Aslam Bhat, who has taken it upon himself to revive this fading art form. Through
The tradition of papier mache has had a long cultural lineage, and its history is linked with the formation of ethnic and religious identities in Kashmir. The beginning of the craft of papier mache is closely associated with the advent of Islam in Kashmir. Islam came to Kashmir in gradual significant phases, and spread mostly
The Almost Lost Tradition of Kashmir’s papier mache art Read More »
In the Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh, the Rajwars, a farming community, dabble in a unique and traditional art form known as Painted Clay Relief. This art form is primarily practised by the women of the community and holds great significance in their culture. The Rajwars are primarily Hindu and follow the rituals and customs associated
Clay Creations of Chhattisgarh: Community Art of The Rajwars Read More »
Kotpad, a small village nestled in the picturesque state of Odisha, holds a weaving tradition that is both captivating and vanishing with the passage of time. The artistry of Kotpad weaving, passed down through generations, embodies a softer, more artistic lens of the world. Weaver’s Homes at Kotpad Within the weavers’ abodes, a long corridor
The Red Thread: Tale of of Kotpad Weaving in Odisha Read More »
“In a highly productive nation, the ornament is no longer a natural product of its culture, and therefore represents backwardness or even a degenerative tendency.” (Loos, 1970). These are the words of Adolf Loos, a modernist architect from Vienna. He wrote this piece called ‘The Ornament and Crime’ in 1910 when the Art Nouveau moment
Redefining the Meaning of ‘Ornamentation’ in Architecture through the Indian Context Read More »
George Nakashima, the revered Japanese-American woodworker and furniture designer, left an indelible mark on India’s architecture and furniture design. From his tranquil sojourn at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, where he embraced the name Sunder Nanda, to his collaboration with Antonin Raymond on the iconic Golconde dormitory, Nakashima’s influence was profound. He even developed
Ingenious Collaboration: Nakashima and National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad Read More »
Golconde, the iconic dormitory constructed by architects George Nakashima and Antonin Raymond, stands as a brilliant example of India’s architectural evolution, representing the country’s first foray into the realm of modernist design. Completed in 1945, this remarkable structure is nestled within the serene confines of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India. With its origins
Golconde: A Modernist Marvel in Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Read More »