For research into the architectural styles of the under-documented Deccan region, with a focus on the built heritage of the Qutb Shahi period. Base maps of the Golconda Fort area, and a monograph on the evolution of architectural styles within it, will be prepared, helping leverage support for the development of the area as a heritage zone.
For research towards the development of a theoretical basis for designing public places for art in India. The study will compare the integrative character of indigenous public spaces with the isolating experience of newer, urban ones. It will result in a series of monographs or an illustrated book.
For preparatory research towards a documentary film on the Ragamala tradition. Besides exploring its historical, aesthetic and socio-cultural contexts, the study will examine how the conventions of the Ragamala could inform the stylistics of representing the tradition on film. Two short video studies will be developed, suggesting contrasting treatment strategies for the proposed film.
For research towards a sourcebook in Kannada on important sculptural traditions in south India. With the aim of enhancing the skills, knowledge and creativity of traditional sculptors, the sourcebook will comprise an introduction to the Shilpashastra; line drawings highlighting the aesthetic features of various schools of sculpture; and explanatory notes and photographs.
For the study and documentation of the threatened musical traditions of the Adivasi communities of Junglemahal in West Bengal. The project is expected to reacquaint younger members of the community with their own music and create income generating avenues for instrument makers, besides contributing to government literacy programmes in the region.
For the completion of Kumar Talkies, a documentary film highlighting the relationship between the crisis facing the small town of Kalpi in Uttar Pradesh and the decline of its oldest surviving cinema theatre. The film will explore the impact of the Mumbai film industry and popular culture on the town’s social and economic life, collective imagination and identity.
For the study and documentation of Ganjifa, an indigenous card game, and the artists who paint the cards in various parts of the country. The research is expected to result in publications intended to introduce children to the game and its culture, booklets to help NGOs popularise and market Ganjifa card games, and material for use in multimedia.
For the study and documentation of the almost extinct pottery traditions of the women of the Kota community in the Nilgiris. The study will focus on the myth and lore linked to the tradition, which is kept alive only in yearly and secret ritual, and lead to a revival of the Kota women’s occupation and a market for their products.
For preparatory research towards a travelling exhibition on the life and work of Nirode Mazumdar, considered by many to be an important and unfairly ignored figure in modern Indian painting. The study will also result in catalogues and publications for use in galleries and art schools, and the marketing of an audio-visual package.
For a feminist study of women photographers in the country, exploring their role and their distinct approach to photography. The study will help formulate a media course on women and photography; form part of the investigator’s dissertation on women and technology; and eventually feed into a film. The acquired material will be placed with a Delhi-based women’s media organisation and a school of communications.
For developing a shadow play repertoire by contemporary theatre artists, visual artists, traditional leather puppeteers, folk musicians and children. Besides working on possible technical and performative innovations the collaborators will explore how shadow puppetry may be used in Karnataka’s schools and lead to the inclusion of the arts in school curricula.
For consolidation and dissemination of a clown theatre methodology. Training workshops for theatre groups in the Hindi-speaking belt will result in new productions, a theatre network and additional performance venues. Concurrent workshops will be held with undertrials and disadvantaged children.
For development of actor-training processes and consolidation of a repertoire of productions, which would contribute to non-formal education in rural areas and create a larger audience base for contemporary theatre in the state.
For a series of workshops for children by theatre workers and traditional toy makers with the aim of reconnecting and contemporising the narrative and toy cultures of Malwa. The workshops will culminate in a toy festival, and the possibility of founding a permanent toy resource centre will be explored.
For developing a shared vision for a proposed dance-theatre production by a performance scholar and a theatre group, based on the former’s study of the history of the devadasi and her dance. They will visualise segments from the evolving piece, which intends to examine what was lost, preserved and concealed when sadir or dasi attam was reconfigured as Bharatanatyam under the impact of colonialism and nationalism.
