Arts & Culture
For centuries, India has absorbed many cultural influences. From the Mongols to McDonalds, India has adopted and incorporated external culture into its own social fabric. Yet today, globalization is having a profound impact on India. Many of India’s famed artisans are being expelled from their workspaces by development projects. And as with cultures around the globe, much of India–young and old–is turning away from traditional culture in the face of global products. In this section, India Unheard community correspondents report on arts and culture.
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Khatamband: The Art of Intricately Carved Ceilings in Kashmir
Once in decline, this ancient art form, adapted centuries ago from Persia is seeing a revival in the valley.
A Retired Postmaster Revives Traditional Agriculture in Madhya Pradesh
Away from the genetically modified seeds, one man with indigenous seeds has started an agricultural revolution in Madhya Pradesh
Gram Dhara Chitrotsav – An Organic Festival Celebrating Life
An organic festival, Gram Dhara Chitrotsav, literally an arts festival for village and earth is India’s first Land Art Festival in Nagpur.
Ailing Art of Jharkhand Needs Urgent Revival
The artisans of Jharkhand were on their way to script a success story thanks to a government initiative Jharcraft. But then in 2014, they lost a good leader, and then the government's support.
Kangri: The Craft that warms Kashmir Winters
Kangri is a handmade, wicker fire pot that keeps people warm during the severe Kashmir winters. It works as a mobile heater during the season when the temperature dips down to minus 20 degrees.
An ancient fort wall crumbles due to negligence of Rajasthan authorities
The sleepy town of Karauli in Rajasthan was awakened by a loud thud on a cold, winter night. A part of the ancient fort walls, Masalpur gate, which surrounded the Karauli town for 800 years had finally collapsed due to the negligence it suffered for centuries. As it went down,...
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Lack of legs doesn’t stop this man from climbing stairs to success
Augostinho was a toddler when a wrong medical diagnosis left his legs in pain, and shortly completely immobile. However, the unfortunate incident did not limit him from leading a normal life. Since he can’t use his limbs waist-down, he props his body up and walks on his hands. In fact,...
Without pension, an old folk musician forced to beg for food
The folk music represents the soul of the indigenous culture of India. The songs are the oral history encompassing the myths, lives of peasants, the joys and struggles of men and women which are passed down from generation to generation. Folk music, like all folk arts, are the shreds of evidence of...