Abirpothi

India’s only daily art newspaper

cultural heritage

Theatre Festival Revives Kashmir’s Folk Art Scene, Reigniting Cultural Heritage

In an effort to revive the cultural heritage lost during the grip of militancy in Kashmir over the past three decades, a seven-day theatre festival organised by Kashmiri cultural NGO Vomedh is currently underway. The festival aims to breathe new life into the region’s fledgling folk art scene, which has suffered greatly due to the […]

Theatre Festival Revives Kashmir’s Folk Art Scene, Reigniting Cultural Heritage Read More »

Shariqa Gulzar: Kashmiri Teenager Enters India Book of Records for Portrait of the Firepot

Shariqa Gulzar, a talented teenage artist from Pulwama district in south Kashmir, has recently garnered significant recognition in the art community. Her exceptional skills in calligraphy, mandala art, and sketching have earned her a coveted spot in the prestigious India Book of Records. Shariqa’s latest achievement features a vibrant portrait of the traditional Kashmiri fire

Shariqa Gulzar: Kashmiri Teenager Enters India Book of Records for Portrait of the Firepot Read More »

Threaded Works of Art: The Case of Lambani Embroidery from Karnataka

In the heartland of Karnataka, lies an exquisite craft called Lambani embroidery. It is also known as Sandur Lambani embroidery, is an art form practised by the Lambani tribe, custodians of this enchanting tradition. With its roots tracing back to the 16th century when the Lambani tribe migrated from Rajasthan to Karnataka, this embroidery has

Threaded Works of Art: The Case of Lambani Embroidery from Karnataka Read More »

15 Antiquities from New York’s Met Among 150 Returning to India in 3-6 Months

In a significant development, the Union Culture Secretary, Govind Mohan, announced that fifteen antiquities returned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York are expected to arrive in India within the next 3-6 months. This marks the first batch of antiquities that the Met has willingly agreed to return to India, showcasing a positive

15 Antiquities from New York’s Met Among 150 Returning to India in 3-6 Months Read More »

Dutch Museums Initiate Restitution: Returning Looted Art and Artifacts to Indonesia and Sri Lanka

In a significant move towards reconciliation with their colonial past, two Dutch museums have announced plans to return hundreds of cultural artefacts to Indonesia and Sri Lanka. These objects, ranging from a beautifully adorned cannon to precious metals and jewellery, were taken during the colonial era, often through forceful means. The restitution of 478 “cultural

Dutch Museums Initiate Restitution: Returning Looted Art and Artifacts to Indonesia and Sri Lanka Read More »

Reviving the Legacy: Kashmiri Artisan Mohammad Aslam Bhat Saves the Dying Craft of Copperware

In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, an ancient craft teeters on the edge of extinction. The Kashmiri copperware industry, once vibrant and thriving, now faces the overwhelming dominance of machine-made products. However, amidst this gloom, one artisan stands tall, Mohammad Aslam Bhat, who has taken it upon himself to revive this fading art form. Through

Reviving the Legacy: Kashmiri Artisan Mohammad Aslam Bhat Saves the Dying Craft of Copperware Read More »

The Red Thread: Tale of of Kotpad Weaving in Odisha

Kotpad, a small village nestled in the picturesque state of Odisha, holds a weaving tradition that is both captivating and vanishing with the passage of time. The artistry of Kotpad weaving, passed down through generations, embodies a softer, more artistic lens of the world. Weaver’s Homes at Kotpad Within the weavers’ abodes, a long corridor

The Red Thread: Tale of of Kotpad Weaving in Odisha Read More »

A Historian’s Tale: The Life of Jasleen Dhamija in Indian Textiles and Other Traditions

Smriti Malhotra Jasleen Dhamija, was a highly esteemed historian and a revered champion of traditional Indian crafts, has left an indelible mark on the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through her extensive research, significant policy contributions, and unwavering dedication, she has become a beacon, illuminating the narrative surrounding Indian textiles and

A Historian’s Tale: The Life of Jasleen Dhamija in Indian Textiles and Other Traditions Read More »

Preserving Tamil Nadu’s Rock Art: Urgent Action Needed to Safeguard Cultural Heritage

The rock art sites in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the regions of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, are facing severe destruction and disfigurement. During a recent visit to the Kumittipathi hillock, former epigraphist R Jegadeesan and his team were appalled to find the drawings ruined by overwriting, scribbling, and personal inscriptions. Similarly, at Kovanur, villagers unknowingly

Preserving Tamil Nadu’s Rock Art: Urgent Action Needed to Safeguard Cultural Heritage Read More »

Rajasthan Introduces 100-Day Employment Scheme for Folk Artists: Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana-2023

Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has recently introduced a pioneering initiative called the “Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana-2023” to provide guaranteed employment opportunities to folk artists in the state. Taking inspiration from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), this scheme aims to support and promote the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan by

Rajasthan Introduces 100-Day Employment Scheme for Folk Artists: Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana-2023 Read More »