India Lost & Found

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In our latest episode, join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich history and enigmatic allure of the Kailasnath Temple, with Anirudh Kanisetti (@AKanisetti). Situated near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to India's rich heritage. Explore the intricacies of this UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled within the stunning landscape of Ellora, where Buddhist monasteries, Hindu caves, and Jain temples converge to showcase India's syncretic culture at its finest. Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for captivating stories of popular and obscure heritage sites to preserve the essence of our civilizational history that may soon vanish into obscurity — let India lost, be found. You can check out our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we walk down the historical streets of Mandawa from the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every stone has a story, and every story is a journey through time! Mandawa reveals itself as a tapestry of history, culture, and architectural splendor. This quaint town, established in the mid-18th century, was once a bustling trading outpost renowned for its grand havelis, each adorned with intricate frescoes that narrate tales of a bygone era. We are happy to hear these stories from Mandawa narrated to us by Thakur Durga Singh, who hails from the aristocratic family of Mandawa. He has converted his family home in Mandawa into a heritage hotel called Dera Mandawa and plays a prominent role in the tourism of the region. For our non-Marwari/ Hindi listeners: Glossary: Chowk (ek, do, teen) - Open court/ courtyard (one, two, three) Karigar - Artist/ Artisan Bhootha – Haunted Lota : Round water pot, usually made from brass for ablution/ sanitary use Angrez - Britisher, Englishmen Saab & Memsaab - Sir and Ma’am Gulaal - Coloured powders used for some Hindu rituals like Holi Rishtedaar - Relatives Translation for Marwari/ Hindi dialogues: 13:56 – “He’s just an ordinary rohida flower, he’s said to have no grey matter and is just handsome.” 15:46 – You had permission to be the walking buddy of Thakur Sahab or the billionaire Seth Sahab (Sahab meaning Sir) without any hesitation. You would greet them with a namaste, exchange pleasantries, and walk along with them. Groups of women, wealthy women, Brahmins, and people of other castes went into the sunset. 16:31 – “ Setha (a wealthy merchant) who is that?” “He is my friend! (walking buddy)” 17:12 – because old havelis and forts did not have any particular space left where you could fit in a toilet. 17:27 – “So, this is the story behind the Bhailas” 17:50 – Those of us who live in the desert become so happy when it rains, we say “let’s go have a picnic!” 18:01 – They employ the service of a chef. And they refer to the confectioners as “artists”. 18:13: How much ghee (clarified butter) should be used in the preparation of Churma (a popular Rajasthani dish). 18:16 – Brother, some people want to spend, some people want to save so how to ask the Seth openly how much ghee to add? 18:45 – If you add a small amount of ghee the churma is sad (crying), if you add a generous amount, the churma is happy (laughing). Essentially to clarify how rich to make the preparation. 19:18 – Brother it will be laughing only, why cry? Make it laugh, but be judicious with the amount of ghee. “And they say why does the god have tears in his eyes, only when the ox eats hay?” So when should you add clarified butter?” – (A Marwari regional expression) 20:25 – In every Marwari family there was an unwritten rule. A rule that had been conducted for century after century after century! 20:39 – They indulge in leisure and ease after their hard work. 21:51 – (taken over by) either the family astrologer or accountant… 27:26 – Today, in this climate, how much area will I be able to cover and I will prepare only that amount of wet surface. 27:58 – It’s written below - the flying ship (Literal translation) 28:22 – Small children, even right from the age of seven or eight would start learning how to create frescoes from experts 36:06 – Nowadays nobody sings folk songs anymore. And why does nobody sing anymore? Earlier the whole village used to bustle with the sounds of folklore at a stretch of 15 days. Now they go to school and there has been a cultural erosion where girls that go to school now consider singing folk songs on Gangaur festival as backwards. 40:06 – “What kind of a bride is she? I raised you with love and care, and look at what has become of you! Yet you don't feel like crying when you leave.” 44:54 - They were relatives, they were in-laws. (The Hindi word "samdhi" refers to the relationship between the parents of a married couple) For visual references and further information on Madawa: 1. Official website of Dera Mandawa: https://www.deramandawa.com/ 2. ⁠Instagram videos of Durga Singh Ji : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8CkXphPV7Q/?igsh=bGR6ZDZkazRzdDJz 3. ⁠Painted walls of Shekhawati by Shri Aman Nath and Francis 4. ⁠The painted towns of Shekhawati by Ilay Cooper 5. ⁠Shekhawati : Havelis of merchant princes Edited by Abha Narain lambah Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

Today we’ll take a dip in the holy waters of Prayagraj. This is city of triveni sangam, the meeting of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and the historic location for Kumb mela. As the Mughals moved to Prayagraj and enchanted the city with their splendid architecture, we see constructions like Khusro Bagh. We’re in today’s episode investigating its social, political and architectural background. Skipping forward in time we’ll explore the colonial architecture of multiple churches and universities housed in the city. so let’s dive right into it.

This week we are visiting the Bara Imambara in Lucknow, said to be the most magnificent among the imambaras of the world! Exploring the pre and post-independence Lucknow, we’ll try and understand its rise as an imperial capital amidst the fall of Mughal empire and the upswing of local powers. One of these local Nawab was Asaf-ud-daula known for his generosity & public service. Dredging through the political and social scenarios under his reign we discuss the construction of the Daulatkhana which was his private residence and a much grander Imambara that he built for the public.  Concluding the talk with the architecture of the Bada Imambara and its impact on urban Lucknow, we hope to enrich you with all the facts and stories surrounding this splendid monument of Lucknow.

This week we are visiting the sanctum of the Thanjavur temples. Revolving around the paintings, music, dance and drama traditions of the Cholas, we look into the history through literary as well as oral sources. Built with the mechanism to last for thousands of years, the evolution of the Thanjavur temples from small brick constructions to massive stone structures is an engineering marvel for all(generations) to witness. It's rich sculptural elements and intricate carvings have truly been a work of panache. Delving into the rich inscriptions on the temple walls, we talk about the administration, role of women and the devdasi tradition during cholas in a new light and how temples acted as important political, social and economic authorities of the time.

For this episode we will camp right at the heart of Vasai and travel to a city from the 16th century. Located very close to the financial capital of Mumbai, The Vasai Fort (or The Fort of Vasai) with its rich history has been home to a dynamic group of population and its architecture carries within itself the stories of many centuries.  Ranging from the Portuguese advent and their growing prosperity in the region to the local rebellion, the many exchange of hands leading to its final ownership and subsequent downfall; the fort has had numerous tales to tell and we'll listen to all of them in this week's episode.

For this episode we have embroidered a piece of Uttrakhand with the threads of Gartang Gali that stitched together India and Tibet. This ancient trade route in the Nelong valley was the prime medium of transport for the Jaad Bhutiya community, who acquired a unique identity over a period of this cultural and economic exchange. The history of this wooden bridge needles into the identities of these communities; not only in its physical form but also through the intangible aspects, folklores and other lesser-known stories.

This week our stop is at the beautiful Nilambag Palace which accommodates the history of Bhavnagar.  Its distinct architecture and natural environment provide us with an enriching experience altogether. You can get on this ride expecting to learn all about the royal family of Bhavnagar, the historical account of Nilambag and the future it holds as a heritage property.

This week we are traveling the roads of what is popularly known to us as Lutyens Delhi. We are looking into how the capital shift led us to this architectural boon, the town planning committee involved in it, and was it really Lutyens’ Delhi? But mostly how these edifices have made a truly dynamic capital out of Delhi and the legacy that it has left behind.

This week we will embark upon the journey of how Sultangarhi, a mausoleum commissioned by Iltutmish, was able to survive under the dynamic group of rulers and to have later, become a part of Firoz shah Tughlaq’s reign, to see itself revive. All of this comes down to Sultangarhi emerging as a sacred site which has found a special place in the hearts of the people and all faiths alike.

Welcome back to ILF Radio! For our first episode of the New year, fresh out of the Christmas season, we asked, what significance does Christmas hold in an Indian context? What are the origins of Christianity in India? A religion of Semitic roots, but popularly known through the lens of Western tradition. Was it a colonial import or does its history run far deeper? The practice of Christian tradition in India is as diverse as its culture, having evolved and assimilated within an Indian context over two millenniums since the death of Christ. But the most fascinating and overlooked fact is that the very first introduction of Christianity on Indian shores took place as early as the apostolic era by one of Jesus’ chosen 12 apostles – Thomas who was also known as Didymus, “Doubting Thomas” and most popularly referred today as St. Thomas, the Patron saint of India. How did a Palestinian Jew from Galilee come to live and die on our Southern shores? What is the legacy he left behind? We are joined today by Vijay Kamalkara, founder and CEO of Chennai based Story trails – one of the pioneers of story-based walking tours in the country to give us an account of what we know of the ministry of St. Thomas in India.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Santhome Basilica, Chennai https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Cathedral_Basilica,_Chennai#/media/File:Santhome_Basilica.jpg- Spearhead believed to have killed St. Thomas at Santhome Basilica https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Cathedral_Basilica,_Chennai#/media/File:Chennai,_basilica_di_san_tommaso_apostolo,_museo,_reliquiario_dell'osso_di_s._tommaso_e_della_lancia_che_lo_uccise,_02.jpg- Tob of St. Thomas at Santhomehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tomb_of_St._Thomas_in_India.JPG- Marthoma Pontifical Shrine, Kodungaloorhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mar_Thoma_Church,_Kodungaloor#/media/File:Kodungaloor_Mar_Thoma_Church.jpg- Bone relic believed to belong to St. Thomas at Marthoma Kodungaloorhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mar_Thoma_Church,_Kodungaloor#/media/File:Thomasreliquiar_Kondungallur.jpg- St. Thomas Church on the Mount - the site believed to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Thomas https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:St._Thomas_Church_on_the_Mount#/media/File:Main_Entrance_St_Thomas_Mount_Church_Chennai_Aug22_A7C_02249.jpg/2- 14 stations of the Cross positioned along the 160-step climb up the mount (nos 3,5,10 and 13)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Mount_National_Shrine_Basilica#/media/File:Statue_of_jesus_at_st.Thomas_mount_church,_chennai_3.JPGhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Mount_National_Shrine_Basilica#/media/File:Statue_of_jesus_at_st.Thomas_mount_church,_chennai_5.JPGhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Mount_National_Shrine_Basilica#/media/File:Statue_of_jesus_at_st.Thomas_mount_church,_chennai.JPGhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Mount_National_Shrine_Basilica#/media/File:Station_Cross_XIII_Thomas_Mount_Chennai_Aug22_A7C_02282.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode, we discuss a powerful relic of the Kachhawa dynasty - the Jaigarh fort.A monument of immense strategic significance, Jaigarh remains a powerful symbol of resilience, ingenuity and artistic brilliance. From its advanced water conservation systems to the awe inspiring Jaiban canon, it is a place where engineering marvels, artistic expression and spiritual beliefs converge. Dr Chandni Chowdhary delves into its legacy to uncover how its past continues to shape the cultural identity of Rajasthan, particularly Jaipur today.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - View of the fort with watchtower: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:External_walls_and_towers_of_Jaigarh_Fort#/media/File:Jaigarh_Fort,_Jaipur,_20191218_1627_9453.jpg- Jaiban Canon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Jaivan_Cannon#/media/File:Jaibaan_Canon_(The_Jaivana).jpg-Water collection pond:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rainwater_Collector_(Jaigarh_Fort)#/media/File:Jaigarh_008.jpg- Fortifications along the Aravallis:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:External_walls_and_towers_of_Jaigarh_Fort#/media/File:20191218_Jaigarh_Fort,_Amer,_Jaipur_1615_9417.jpg- Garden and North wall:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:External_walls_and_towers_of_Jaigarh_Fort#/media/File:Jaigarh_Fort,_Amer,_Jaipur,_20191218_1613_9402.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode, we’re set to explore the iconographic development of Durga as Mahishasuramardini.The earliest depictions of Durga as Mahishasuramardini can be found in the 1st century BCE, with a lion beneath her feet, armed with weapons, killing a bull. This form is found throughout the subcontinent, depicted on temples, caves, seals and coins, and widely supplemented by texts like Devi Mahatmyam, which describes the killing of an asura named Mahisha in great detail, and widely found in folklore as well. Around the 6th century CE, the form develops further as Mahishasura transforms from a bull, as depicted earlier, to a half-man, half-bull; this is observed in the temples constructed by early Chalukyas, such as Aihole, and further, in the Mahishasuramardini cave at Mahabalipuram made by the Pallavas. The adaptation of this form in worship also varies through various regions. While she is a daughter returning to her father's house in Bengal, the same Goddess is just form, Katyayani, among the nine forms of the Goddess in North India. Deepa Chakravarthy takes us through the iconographic changes, and helps us connect with the true essence of the tale as she uncovers the meaning behind the intangible force of Shakti. Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Kotravai: the Tamil goddess of victoryhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kottravai_at_peruvudayar_temple,_Thanjavur.jpg- Elements of Hindu Iconography by Gopinatha Raohttps://archive.org/details/cu31924071128825- Badami Cave 1 Durgahttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:6th_century_Durga_spearing_buffalo_demon_Mahishasura_(cave_1),_Badami_Hindu_cave_temple_Karnataka.jpg- Durga at Aihole https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Durga_Temple_Aihole_ADSC_1481.jpg- Durga slaying Mahishasura at Mahabalipuram Rock-cut cavehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Durga_Slaying_Mahishasur_sculpture_at_Mamallapur_1913.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode, we’re on a pilgrimage to the temple town of Chidambram in Tamil Nadu where the Thillai Nataraja temple rises in celebration of Shiva, the Lord of the dance!While the earliest mention of the temple dates back to the 6th century CE. The construction of the temple complex as we see it today began in the early Chola period around the 10th century and it further developed as it continued to receive patronage from successive empires. Every square inch of its 40 acres is packed with profound symbolism and purpose. Its construction is a testament of craftsmanship in sculpture and metallurgy. Positioned in alignment with what was once considered to be the earth’s magnetic equator or “the sacred heart of the universe”, the design of the temple is said to resonate with the cosmic rhythm and is a metaphor of Shiva’s anthropometric form. It is our pleasure at ILF to have established Mohiniyattam dancer and oral historian Deepa Chakravarthy walk us through the past and present of these sacred halls.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Layout of the Thillai Nataraja Temple complex: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:10th_to_13th_century_Chidambaram_Nataraja_Temple_plan.svg- Wood engraving from the 1870’s of the sacred tank and gopuram: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram#/media/File:Sacred_Tank_and_Pagoda_at_Chillambaran,_India,_c_1870.jpg-Golden roof of the Chit Sabha:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram#/media/File:Golden_Roof,_Nataraja_Temple_in_Chidambaram.jpg- Natya Shastra dance mudras at the Thillai Nataraja:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dance_mudra_reliefs_at_the_Thillai_Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram#/media/File:13th_century_collage_of_Natya_Sastra_dance_mudra_on_Chidambaram_Nataraja_temple_eastern_gopura.jpg- Nataraja performing Ananda Tandava:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja_Temple,_Chidambaram#/media/File:Nataraja01.jpg - View of the fort from the beach showing St. Mary’s steeple (date unknown)https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_St._George.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to another episode of ILF Radio, where today we journey into the timeless world of the Ajanta Caves. More than artistic marvels, these rock-cut monuments are a window into the spiritual and cultural life of ancient India. Built between the 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE, Ajanta reflects the evolving traditions of Buddhism, beginning with the simple, austere Hinayana phase and later embracing the more elaborate Mahayana imagery. The caves are celebrated for their breathtaking murals and sculptures, which vividly depict stories from the Jataka tales, daily life, and the path to enlightenment. These paintings, with their refined colors and flowing lines, capture the essence of compassion, devotion, and artistic brilliance. Yet, over time, Ajanta faced decline with the waning of Buddhism in India. In this episode, we’ll explore these layers- faith, art, and eventual obscurity. Glossary:1. Chaitya – A Buddhist prayer hall or shrine, often housing a stupa.2. Vihara – A Buddhist monastery or dwelling place for monks.3. Avadanas – Legendary or moral stories illustrating Buddhist teachings.4. Jatakas – Tales of the previous lives of the Buddha, teaching moral lessons.5. Vinaya – The regulatory framework or code of conduct for Buddhist monks and nuns.6. Nirgranthikas – Ascetic sects in ancient India, often associated with Jainism.7. Ajivikas – An ancient Indian religious sect emphasizing fatalism and strict asceticism.8. Mahasanghikas – One of the early Buddhist schools, emphasizing the transcendental nature of the Buddha.9. Theravadins – Followers of the Theravada school, emphasizing the earliest Buddhist teachings.10. Sravastavadins – A Buddhist sect known for its detailed Abhidharma scholasticism.11. Māra – The demon or personification of temptation and death in Buddhism.12. Avalokiteshvara – The Bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism.13. Manjushri – The Bodhisattva representing wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism.14. Bodhisattva – An enlightened being who delays final nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment. Explore visuals from today's episode- https://www.p4panorama.com/360-virtual-tour/ajanta-caves/ Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more stories from India’s layered past. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today, we’re journeying into the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the rugged Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. Carved into a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River, these rock-cut caves, dating back over two millennia, are a sanctuary of art, devotion, and storytelling. Within their stone-carved facades lie timeless murals, intricate sculptures, and monastic cells that once echoed with chants of Buddhist monks. Beyond their artistic grandeur, the caves embody a living archive of faith and imagination, where every wall still whispers the rhythm of meditation, ritual, and ancient creativity. We are delighted to have Professor Seema Bawa, a renowned Art Historian who teaches at the University of Delhi. She has authored numerous books on Ancient Indian Art and religious art. Prof. Bawa brings to the table a wide array of experience in reading the ancient cave art and uncovering the beauty of these heritage sites. In this episode, she will guide us through the scenic landcsape of the Sahyadri hills and introduce us to the importance of this landscape for the Buddhist monks. Reading through the Pali cannon and understanding the majectic structures inside the cave, this episode will delve into the arrangement of the Buddhist monastic order which reflects in Ajanta. Glossary:1. Chaitya – A Buddhist prayer hall or shrine, often housing a stupa.2. Vihara – A Buddhist monastery or dwelling place for monks.3. Avadanas – Legendary or moral stories illustrating Buddhist teachings.4. Jatakas – Tales of the previous lives of the Buddha, teaching moral lessons.5. Vinaya – The regulatory framework or code of conduct for Buddhist monks and nuns.6. Nirgranthikas – Ascetic sects in ancient India, often associated with Jainism.7. Ajivikas – An ancient Indian religious sect emphasizing fatalism and strict asceticism.8. Mahasanghikas – One of the early Buddhist schools, emphasizing the transcendental nature of the Buddha.9. Theravadins – Followers of the Theravada school, emphasizing the earliest Buddhist teachings.10. Sravastavadins – A Buddhist sect known for its detailed Abhidharma scholasticism.11. Māra – The demon or personification of temptation and death in Buddhism.12. Avalokiteshvara – The Bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism.13. Manjushri – The Bodhisattva representing wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism.14. Bodhisattva – An enlightened being who delays final nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.Explore visuals from today's episode- https://www.p4panorama.com/360-virtual-tour/ajanta-caves/ Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more stories from India’s layered past. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome to a brand new episode of ILF Radio!Today, we’re stepping into Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra. Situated at the southern tip of Malabar Hill, surrounded by the Arabian Sea and enveloped in dense greenery, this 160-year-old estate is as much a place of reflection as it is of governance. Beyond its ornate banquet halls and ceremonial rooms lies a space alive with memories, layered histories, and quiet corners that still hold the rhythm of ritual and routine.Joining us is Mr. Umesh Kashikar, Public Relations Officer at Raj Bhavan for over 26 years. A passionate historian and former Research Officer in the Governor's Secretariat, Mr. Kashikar has guided countless visitors through this estate, offering insights not only into its architecture and legacy but also the lived-in nuances that never make it to official records.In this episode, we talk about everything from the transformation of the British-era bunker into a museum of revolutionaries, to the understated presence of the Sri Gundi Devi temple and the challenges of balancing modern infrastructure with heritage preservation. With Mr. Kashikar as our guide, we experience Raj Bhavan not just as a political address, but as a living archive – one that blends protocol with pause, and history with heartbeat.Explore visuals from today’s episode:Raj Bhavan aerial view: https://us.images.westend61.de/0001985783pw/aerial-view-of-rajbhavan-back-bay-malabar-point-mumbai-india-AAEF30827.jpg Official site: https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more stories from India’s layered past. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Every once in a while, at ILF, we would like to turn our attention from the famed monumental, religious and political legacies to the common citizen’s vernacular heritage. Today we visit the singular, stunning streets of Sidhpur in Gujarat lined with the Vohrawads of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The architecture of these mansions is a truly masterful blend of various European styles adapted to the traditional Bohra lifestyle through the hands of Gujarati craftsmen. A style which in every way is the best of everything West of the subcontinent, which makes Sidhpur a place beyond belief!ILF is delighted to have architect Zoyab Alihussain Kadi, here to deliver us the story from the horse’s mouth. Born a Dawoodi Bohra, trained as an architect who also turned academician, he has been instrumental in documenting the neighbourhoods of Sidhpur and has written three books dedicated to the cause of the conservation of these vohrawads. His prolific writing and talks continue to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage. He has also received a UNESCO Sahapedia fellowship to document the cultural and architectural heritage of Sidhpur. Along with three other concerned architects, he has set up the “SIDHPUR HERITAGE COLLECTIVE”; an initiative with an ambitious and diverse agenda to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Sidhpur from the lens of ILF founder Amit Pasricha: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwZkPq7v9Ae/?igsh=bmxrcHBxcmRocXdyhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwabLUjvUqI/?igsh=bTF0ZXh5NG1oNWVrhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwaE2QjPeAi/?igsh=cWJ4MjVwNWNpZWNi- From the Sidhpur Heritage Collective: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKSKqSfFz/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKsN8SLpR/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQIs2Sptt/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQTZ4yy8o/https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2q2pryw50/?img_index=1- Information of the Sidhpur Heritage collective’s upcoming heritage walkhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DAnzVOhSzTe/?img_index=1https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys. Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode,we set sail to “the gateway of South India”, to the shores of Madras, presently known as Chennai, where in 1639, a small strip of land on the Coromandel coast was given to the British East India company to set up a warehouse fortraded goods. On this unremarkable strip of land was eventually established Fort St. George – the seat of British colonial power in South India!The establishment of Fort St. George was the cornerstone that laid the foundation for the city of Madras which grew into one of India’s very first metropolitan cities. The story of its development from an obscure fishing hamlet into the first British Presidency in India is quite puzzlingyet most remarkable. We’re most delighted to have with us Ashmitha Athreya, operations head and lead story teller at Madras Inherited to walk us through this opening chapter of the history of Madras! Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Plan of Fort St. George: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/FortStGeorgePophamColonyJohnHuntMap.gif - Artistic representations of the early fort on the Coromandel Coast: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/South_East_View_of_Fort_St_George%2C_Madras_-_British_Library_P942.jpg -Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly buildinghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Fort_St._George%2C_Chennai_2.jpg - Clive Househttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Clive_House.jpg - St Mary’s Churchhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/St._Mary%27s_Church%2C_Chennai_%281%29.jpg  - View of the fort from the beach showing St. Mary’s steeple (date unknown)https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_St._George.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram@indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook@IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we explore the many mysteries of Akbar’s forgotten city – Fatehpur Sikri! Fatehpur Sikri, despite being pristinely preserved poses a great puzzle to historians. There is much speculation and fantasy churned out of this city that survived only 10 years as the capital of one of the grandest empires of the sub-continent. While at first sight its architecture is unmistakably Mughal in its essence, there is nothing about it that is cliché. It appears to display a controlled sense of eclecticism reflecting a melting pot of cultures and philosophy, giving us a peak into the very heart of the emperor Akbar. But the enigma of Fatehpur Sikri lies within everything we don’t know about it, like secrets hidden in plain sight. ILF is delighted to be joined by Amita Baig, one of India’s foremost experts in cultural heritage conservation and management to take us through this most enchanting complex, and what makes it a place like no other! Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: -Hathi Pol https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1569879753195310&set=a.653506534832641 - Buland Darwaza: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=890299481153344&set=a.653506534832641 - Jami Masjid:  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1826156247567658&set=a.861961803987112 -Tomb of Salim Chishti https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10155652089914220&set=p.10155652089914220 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=997244732038121&set=a.700475418381722 - Diwan-i-Khas https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=860788824104410&set=a.653506534832641 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diwan-i-khas,_Fatehpur_Sikri,_India_2.jpg - Panch Mahal https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1779262372257046&set=a.861961803987112 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1779731692210114&set=a.861961803987112 - Anup Talao https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1023941927789098&set=a.653506534832641 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=997282548701006&set=anup-talao-is-a-small-square-shaped-pond-in-the-fatehpur-sikri-complex-in-uttar- - Rani ki Mahal https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=874783132704979&set=a.653506534832641   Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.