The second episode focuses on the making of the temple, elaborating the plan of the temple, which is the Vastupurusamandala, as mentioned in the ancient textual sources. We will further elaborate on the evolution of the temple architecture - From a temple with just a garbha griha and mandapa to the inclusion of antarla (vestibule) to several mandapas, eventually forming temple towns. Image Credits: Kalleshvara Temple, 10th century AD, Rashtrakuta period, Bagli, Karnataka, Photo by Dinesh Kannambadi, Wikimedia CommonsWritten by Urvi C, Modified by Davangi Pathak, and Final Revisions by Asmita Singh.
The Episode begins with contextualizing the essence of being in the temple– how one feels or behaves in the temple and how the temple has been significant in India. We also dwell upon the Buddhist architecture that led to the foundation of a dedicated place for devotion followed by the philosophy of the “sacred”. Further, we focus on the prominent religions of India, viz Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, which became the ground for the construction of several sacred sites. We also explore the concept of Tirtha, a sacred site, as explained by Stella Kramrisch. We discuss the symbolic meaning of each temple structure starting from the bottom which is the jagati to the kalasa, the top, attributing that transpires a devotee while experiencing higher consciousness. Image Credits: Harvinder Chandigarh; Written by Urvi C; Hosted by: Hanima Nawaz; Modified by Davangi Pathak, and Final Revisions by Asmita Singh.
The podcast will focus on the Nagara style of temple architecture, expanding on the definition of sub-categories (Rekha Prasada or latina, etc.) with examples. The episode will delve into the architecture of one of the first temples constructed under the patronage of Gupta kingdom, whose reign was known as the golden age. While discussing the lineage of Gupta rulers and their contribution to the Indian art and architecture, we shall also elaborate on Udaigiri caves, providing in detail the concept of Rock cut architecture. The podcast will also revisit the significance of the structures/ parts of the temple. In continuation to Nagara style, the various schools (such as Solanki, Chalukyas, Maru- Gurjara schools, among others) under several consecutive patronage will be elaborately discussed. \Written by Urvi C, Modified by Davangi Pathak, and Final Revisions by Medha Sharma.
Shivani Aggarwal's works come from a process of continuously breaking herself to understand not just the world around her but the world within her. Her process is an emotional premonition of her own situation or condition. Over the past few years she has been involved with creating, enlarging , bending and twisting common everyday objects that she finds in her regular environment. Her art practice has evolved into a three-dimensional installation in wood, terracotta, fibreglass and thread. Her use of red thread in her previous body of works has been a significant emotion of expression. They are symbolic of functionality, whether personal, political or societal, which are being constantly challenged.
We have arrived at the end of the podcast series, Indian Art History. In this episode, our host Ayushi takes us to the complex comprehensions of contemporary Indian art. She takes a route via art practices of several contemporary artists through the value of threats, love and care while looking at the contemporary urge to make art. Image Credits: Art Limited/Sudhir Patwardhan; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
The Episode introduces you to the practice of different artists post independence. Through their varied narrative and abstract practices they shaped the modern art landscape in India. They exchanged ideas and techniques with the rest of the world and carved a niche for the South Asian artists. . Image Credits: Met Museum; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
Maksud Ali Mondal (1993, based in Santiniketan) was born in Bankura, West Bengal, India. His practice includes facilitating an experiential understanding of organisms in a durational, built microcosm, using sculpture, painting, drawing, installation and photography. His work deals with microbial contamination as a conversational expression, based on observation of growth, transformations and decomposition of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, creatures, fermentation, oxidation, rotting and with the organic, manmade found objects and everyday discarded materials. In this one of a kind podcast, learn in detail about the artist's fascination with the "real".
As India edged towards independence from the British, Indian artists also set free their aspirations, beliefs and conformities by experimenting and searching for visual idioms that made their work more of the subcontinent. Tune in as we discuss the art of prominent artists. Image Credits: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA); Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
A quick tour to 19th century Kolkata. We are particularly visiting the Kalighat temple where the Kalighat paintings are being sold as souvenirs to pilgrims. This resulted in an art style that spoke not just about religion and mythology but also urged its readers to think beyond through social satire. Image Credits: Christie's; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
This episode takes you to the art and architecture of Awadh. It was uniquely driven by the Shia Nawabs who collaborated with their Mughal, Persian and English sensibilities to raise an essentially South Asian culture. Image Credits: Yale Centre of British Art; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
Bunu Dhungana (b.1981) is an artist based in Kathmandu, Nepal. She uses photography as a medium to explore and question the world around her. Her background in sociology informs her photographic work, questioning notions of gender and patriarchy. While her personal projects centre around gender, she has worked in a wide range of fields from visual ethnography, NGO/INGO work, to commercial and journalistic work. Find out more about the artist and her 'unexpected' practice through this exclusive episode, NOW!
Let us dive into the anthropological realism of the Company Paintings. Image Credits: Bonhams; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
Sathi Guin’s works aspire to search and create an identity amidst several entities. Her paintings provide a platform not only for her exploration of her ”self” but as a means to be a part of another more real world. In this one of a kind podcast, learn more about the artist.
Pahari paintings marked the end of the long standing themes and subjects of God, royal ways of exquisite living and love commissioned by the Rajput rulers. Image Credits: qgGV_J7YgKTe9A at Google Cultural Institute; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
Grimanesa Amorós is an interdisciplinary light artist creating site-specific monumental sculptures. Her work’s unique relationship to technology engages viewers in dialogue with cultural legacies, architecture, and the surrounding community. In a one of a kind podcast, learn more about the early life of the artist, and what inspires her current practice!
Tune in as we scan the depths of the earliest palm leaf miniatures and their contribution to Rajasthani miniature. Image Credits: Bani Thani - National Museum, New Delhi; Written and hosted by: Ayushi Chaurasia
Ankon Mitra is an architect by training and an artist by temperament, with a keen interest in the geometry and mathematics of trees, flowers, hills and coastlines. Through the initiative ‘Oritecture’ he is exploring the linkages and uses of Origami in Design and Architecture. The studio has completed a number of restaurant, retail, facade and spatial projects created with the folded technique in metal (aluminium, steel and brass). In this one of a kind podcast, learn about the artist's famous 'folding' technique.
We take you to the Vijaynagara architecture and frescoes at Hampi, where the essence of that prosperous empire has long-lived in its structures and in the collective memory of the people. Written and hosted by Ayushi Chaurasia
We are back with Deccan miniature paintings with a flavour of mystery, imagination and poetry. Written and hosted by Ayushi Chaurasia. Image credits: http://www.indianart.ru/eng/of_the_deccan/1.php
Shailee Mehta's artistic practice stems from an ongoing dialogue between a personal space of imagination and nostalgia, and the political knottings of history, memory and contemporary society. Working extensively with elements of figuration and embodiment, she situates the female body as a central agential motif in her explorations around femininity and visibility. In this one of kind podcast, experience the artist's life and motifs!