Music and Arts
The Sieng Riti Institute: A legacy of Khasi tradition
The Sieng Riti Institute in Wahkhen has been highly instrumental in preserving Khasi music, dance, and culture. Founded by Komik Khongjrem, it teaches traditional instruments, songs, and dances, inspiring new generations to appreciate their heritage.
These are doorways to culture
India’s rich architectural heritage is vividly expressed through its intricate doors, windows, and jharokhas. These elements are not merely functional; they are imbued with deep symbolism and aesthetic significance, reflecting the cultural, religious, and historical contexts of their times.
Village in Chanderi keeps alive its traditional weaves
Not far from Chanderi, where the movie Stree was shot, is a village called Pranpur. Here communities unite and traditional gender divides blur as its residents strive to preserve the art of weaving sheer Chanderi sarees.
Goa’s last guardians of wooden artistry
One of Goa’s most treasured crafts is the wood carving of Chitari art, a skill passed down through generations. Once admired for its grand Baroque and Rococo designs during Portuguese rule, this craft has been fading due to a lack of support.
Nagda’s back with Rajasthani film to light up perspectives
Filmmaker Jigar Nagda, whose film Aravali–The Lost Mountains was a big draw at Village Square’s Chitrashaala film festival last year, has just released his first feature film. Called Batti–A Boy Who Dreamt of Electricity, the Mewadi language film has locals of Raita village in district Udaipur in its cast.
From earth to art: Larnai black clay pottery
Larnai black clay pottery, hand-crafted using locally sourced black clay and serpentine stone, is a traditional art form from Meghalaya. Known for its unique designs, it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The portrayal of women in Kalighat paintings
Kalighat paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex and evolving relationship between societal expectations, gender roles, and females in India. By portraying women as both symbols of tradition and catalysts for change, the art form serves as a valuable record of a transformative period. The contemporary depiction of women in Kalighat can be seen as a continuing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in today’s society.
Unveiling uncomfortable rural truths through art
Multidisciplinary artist Umesh Singh, from Bhojpur in Bihar, uses forgotten farming tools and materials to reveal uncomfortable truths about rural India. Through his art, he highlights the problem of migration, farmers’ struggles and environmental challenges.
Explore the richness of traditional Indian art
Learning about Indian art has become accessible, through books, movies, podcasts as well as workshops and courses. Whether it is traditional art or contemporary, they connect us to India’s rich cultural legacy.
Painting the wild: Winter art camp in Koraput
Once infamous as Odisha’s “red corridor”, Koraput is now a haven for artists from all corners of the country. At a winter art camp organised by Udyosha, the serene landscape of Damanjodi came alive on canvases.
Through the lens: Ghulam Mohammad Sofi chronicles Mahatta’s legacy
In 1972, Ghulam Mohammad Sofi joined Srinagar’s legendary Mahatta studio. Founded in 1915, it pioneered colour photography, capturing history, celebrities, and Kashmir’s essence through its lens.
A rich legacy of toys and board games in India
Ancient India had a rich tradition of board games, whose variations are still played today as Snakes & Ladders, Ludo and chess. The games were also a way to inculcate moral values in children.
A village tourism bucket list for art lovers
It’s a double whammy for lovers of rustic art with this list of must-visit attractions in the hinterland where you can enjoy gazing at creative masterpieces. Read on to get fresh ideas on where to go over the long weekends of 2025.
Teenage Madhubani artist from Bihar eyes brighter future for herself
Once unsure about her future, today Alisha Perween, from Bihar is on her way to becoming a sure-footed Madhubani artist. All thanks to a women’s empowerment programme, this school-goer now has concrete ideas about what to do next.
A date with a sixth-generation pattachitra artist from Raghurajpur
Village Square spends the day with a local pattachitra artist from Odisha’s famous art village, Raghurajpur, to understand more about the craft and the village that was home to three Padmashree winners.
Art’s the way: More wedding gift ideas
In the second part of the feature on wedding gifts inspired by Indian arts and crafts, we bring to you an array of religious paintings and home decor items that will spoil you for choice. Try not to hold on to these for yourself!
Wedding gift ideas inspired by traditional Indian art
Given the growing interest in local Indian art, we bring to you an exhaustive list of arts and crafts from the subcontinent that you can gift this wedding season. Here’s the first of this two-part feature.
The legacy of storytelling by mystical shadows of Tholpaavokothu puppets
The ancient art form of Tholpaavokothu shadow puppetry is a cultural ritual steeped in tradition, spirituality, and artistic craftsmanship. It is unique in more ways than one.
The Evolution of Toda Embroidery
Toda embroidery, practised by the indigenous people of Nilgiri hills, is known for its precise geometric patterns of bright red, black and white inspired by nature and mythological stories. Spurred by market demand, it is gaining visibility through a wide array of products.
Indian Traditional Art in Weddings
Every region in India has its own unique art style which is an integral part of the wedding festivities to usher in fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Their stories, rooted in folklore, make for a riveting read.