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Evolution of Bhadralok and Babu Representations in West Bengal’s Visual Arts

The 19th century in West Bengal was marked by a sudden surge of the Bhadralok as we have now read in the previous articles in the Bhadralok series. The Bengali elite or the “babu” of Bengal changed the cultural landscape of the region in many different ways. Their dressing was a mixture of Indian and […]

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“Stone Hasn’t Left me”, Says the Curator of Yuva Sambhava Robin David

When it comes to artistic expression, mediums, techniques, and perceptions frequently change over time. Nonetheless, despite all of this change, there is still a persistent dedication to customs and respect for ancestry that informs and influences the field of art. The recent show presented by renowned sculptor Robin David under the Raza Foundation’s auspices resonates

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Bhadralok: Architectural Legacy and Cultural Identity in Kolkata and Beyond

We have earlier learned about the Bhadralok of Kolkata and how the term and the people came into being around the 19th century. Bhadralok of course was defined by their Bhadrata (good manners). The Bhadralok did not just inhabit urban spaces, but in rural areas, a defining trait of the Bhadralok is their aversion to

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From Aristocracy to Artefact: Introduction to Kolkata’s Bhadralok Culture

The bhadraloks built their reputation for having a certain evolved sense of the world -Hindol Sengupta/ fortuneindia.com Bhadralok Culture The existence of aristocratic strata within Kolkata’s cultural milieu highlights a legacy characterised by influence and refinement or so it seems. The Bhadralok culture may have sprung up in the 19th century and established a great

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Partition Settlements: A Look At The Refugee Landscape Post Partition

Following the independence in 1947, India and Pakistan were divided, resulting in one of the biggest and bloodiest migrations of people in history. It was marked by unheard-of levels of suffering for individuals. Millions of people had to evacuate their homes for safety and a sense of belonging across freshly formed borders. Many people became

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A Couple Who Makes Us Believe In Love – Bharti Kher and Subodh Gupta

Saptarshi Ghosh We do compete healthily or unhealthily, sometimes Bharti Kher Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Whether it is positive affirmations, flowers, or chocolates, partners all around the world show appreciation to their significant others on this day. The day makes us aware of the transformative power of love. Today, at AbirPothi, we

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Sensual Splendor: Exploring the Allure and Aesthetics of Mughal Erotic Art

We know the presence of ancient Indian Sanskrit text, the Kama Sutra and other classics on sex and eroticism in Indian art and thought. There are a lot of instances of that in Indian art and culture. Hindu-Buddhist art and culture display the legacy of Kama Sutra and Tantricism in the Indian civilisation. The Mughals,

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It’s Rococo not Baroco: Art, Architecture, Fashion and Much More!

If you’re somewhat into art or social media, chances are you might’ve stumbled upon the portrait of a girl in pink swinging in a lush field. The painting is titled The Swing or  Les heureux hasards de l’Escarpolette by the painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and it is regarded as one of the most famous pieces of

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