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

The Nehru Centenary Tribal Museum in Hyderabad – Andhra Pradesh

The museum brings together culture, lifestyle, customs and beliefs of the various tribes hailing from different districts of Andhra Pradesh. Some of the tribes represented here are Kondareddi, Bagata and Hill Reddi. The tribes constitute 6.59 per cent of the population of Andhra Pradesh. The museum throws light on their heritage and a way of … Read more

Encouraging centuries-old life-skills of Irulas: Eking out a living outside forests – Tamil Nadu

Janaki Lenin’s book [My Husband and Other Animals], a compilation of her popular column in The Hindu MetroPlus, offers insights into her husband Rom Whitaker’s fascination for animals, particularly snakes When he came to Madras, Rom was introduced to the Irulas, who quickly became his buddies, sharing, as they did, a common love for snakes. … 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