Jamini Roy, “the unlettered outlaw” of the art world who decided to “settle for the local, the primitive, and the indigenous” – West Bengal

The 125th birth centenary of Jamini Roy, ‘the unlettered outlaw’ of the art world, [was] celebrated at the NGMA [in July 2013]. In 1931, an exhibition of Jamini Roy’s paintings at his Calcutta residence was inaugurated by ballerina and Indologist Stella Kramrisch. Writing on it, Shanta Devi, daughter of Modern Review editor-owner and later Hindu … Read more

Honouring the “Forest Man of India” who created an entire forest: A home for wild elephants, tigers, rhinos and deer – Assam

To read the full story and view a series of photos, click here >> Thirty-four years ago when he began to plant trees, no one, including him, had the slightest idea that his effort would give birth to an entire forest. It all began with a dream he had in 1979 to plant trees on … Read more

Elephants & tigers: Recurring motifs and issues for India’s tribal communities

“The tribals I was told about are elephant people. As far back as any one can remember, they have taken care of elephants. They understand elephants as no one else does. They grow up with elephants, and the elephants with them.” – Edward Rice in Mother India’s Children >> Some tribal communities inhabit regions where wild animals … Read more

Architectural marvels from different communities: Tribal Habitat, “a laboratory for various practical experiences” (National Museum of Mankind, IGRMS Bhopal) – Madhya Pradesh

This exhibitions includes the unique dwelling types of architectural marvels from different tribal communities from the Gangetic plains of Uttaranchal, lush green forest areas of North-east India, the arid region of western India, plateau region of central India, hilly tracts of eastern India, the Nilgiri (blue-mountain) tracts of South western India etc. Presently, there are … Read more