India Lost & Found

India Lost & Found

By ILFHistory
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India Lost & Found episodes

  • E26 - Best of the West: Vohrawads of Sidhpur

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! Every once in a while, at ILF, we would like to turn our attention from the famed monumental, religious and political legacies to the common citizen’s vernacular heritage. Today we visit the singular, stunning streets of Sidhpur in Gujarat lined with the Vohrawads of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The architecture of these mansions is a truly masterful blend of various European styles adapted to the traditional Bohra lifestyle through the hands of Gujarati craftsmen. A style which in every way is the best of everything West of the subcontinent, which makes Sidhpur a place beyond belief!ILF is delighted to have architect Zoyab Alihussain Kadi, here to deliver us the story from the horse’s mouth. Born a Dawoodi Bohra, trained as an architect who also turned academician, he has been instrumental in documenting the neighbourhoods of Sidhpur and has written three books dedicated to the cause of the conservation of these vohrawads. His prolific writing and talks continue to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage. He has also received a UNESCO Sahapedia fellowship to document the cultural and architectural heritage of Sidhpur. Along with three other concerned architects, he has set up the “SIDHPUR HERITAGE COLLECTIVE”; an initiative with an ambitious and diverse agenda to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:

    - Sidhpur from the lens of ILF founder Amit Pasricha: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwZkPq7v9Ae/?igsh=bmxrcHBxcmRocXdyhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwabLUjvUqI/?igsh=bTF0ZXh5NG1oNWVrhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwaE2QjPeAi/?igsh=cWJ4MjVwNWNpZWNi- From the Sidhpur Heritage Collective: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKSKqSfFz/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKsN8SLpR/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQIs2Sptt/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQTZ4yy8o/https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2q2pryw50/?img_index=1- Information of the Sidhpur Heritage collective’s upcoming heritage walkhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DAnzVOhSzTe/?img_index=1


    https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys.

    Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod


    40 min
  • E25 - Gateway to Madras: Fort St. George

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode,we set sail to “the gateway of South India”, to the shores of Madras, presently known as Chennai, where in 1639, a small strip of land on the Coromandel coast was given to the British East India company to set up a warehouse fortraded goods. On this unremarkable strip of land was eventually established Fort St. George – the seat of British colonial power in South India!

    The establishment of Fort St. George was the cornerstone that laid the foundation for the city of Madras which grew into one of India’s very first metropolitan cities. The story of its development from an obscure fishing hamlet into the first British Presidency in India is quite puzzlingyet most remarkable. We’re most delighted to have with us Ashmitha Athreya, operations head and lead story teller at Madras Inherited to walk us through this opening chapter of the history of Madras!

     Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:

    - Plan of Fort St. George: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/FortStGeorgePophamColonyJohnHuntMap.gif

     

    - Artistic representations of the early fort on the Coromandel Coast: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/South_East_View_of_Fort_St_George%2C_Madras_-_British_Library_P942.jpg

     

    -Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly building

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Fort_St._George%2C_Chennai_2.jpg

     

    - Clive House

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Clive_House.jpg

     

    - St Mary’s Church

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/St._Mary%27s_Church%2C_Chennai_%281%29.jpg

     

     - View of the fort from the beach showing St. Mary’s steeple (date unknown)

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_St._George.jpgFollow India Lost and Found on Instagram@indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook@IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    Intro/Outro music credit: Dhaka by Kevin McLeod

    51 min
  • E24 - Best kept secrets of Fatehpur Sikri

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we

    explore the many mysteries of Akbar’s forgotten city – Fatehpur Sikri!


    Fatehpur Sikri, despite being pristinely

    preserved poses a great puzzle to historians. There is much speculation and
    fantasy churned out of this city that survived only 10 years as the capital of
    one of the grandest empires of the sub-continent. While at first sight its
    architecture is unmistakably Mughal in its essence, there is nothing about it
    that is cliché. It appears to display a controlled sense of eclecticism
    reflecting a melting pot of cultures and philosophy, giving us a peak into the very
    heart of the emperor Akbar. But the enigma of Fatehpur Sikri lies within
    everything we don’t know about it, like secrets hidden in plain sight. ILF is
    delighted to be joined by Amita Baig, one of India’s foremost experts in cultural
    heritage conservation and management to take us through this most enchanting complex,
    and what makes it a place like no other!


    Links to key heritage sites from today’s

    episode:

    -Hathi Pol

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1569879753195310&set=a.653506534832641

    - Buland Darwaza: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=890299481153344&set=a.653506534832641

    - Jami Masjid:

     https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1826156247567658&set=a.861961803987112

    -Tomb of Salim Chishti

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10155652089914220&set=p.10155652089914220

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=997244732038121&set=a.700475418381722

    - Diwan-i-Khas

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=860788824104410&set=a.653506534832641

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diwan-i-khas,_Fatehpur_Sikri,_India_2.jpg

    - Panch Mahal

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1779262372257046&set=a.861961803987112

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1779731692210114&set=a.861961803987112

    - Anup Talao

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1023941927789098&set=a.653506534832641

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=997282548701006&set=anup-talao-is-a-small-square-shaped-pond-in-the-fatehpur-sikri-complex-in-uttar-

    - Rani ki Mahal

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=874783132704979&set=a.653506534832641

     

    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram

    @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook
    @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure
    that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to
    come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to
    explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost
    treasures.

    1 hr
  • E23 - Long lived the revolution: The Revolt of 1857 - Part 2

    Welcome back to Part 2 of our special Independence Day episode at ILF Radio!

    Today we continue to trace the course of the Revolt of 1857. Yesterday, we had seen how the flames were ignited at Barrackpore to relay a revolution cry across the northern and central parts of the subcontinent. The Siege of Delhi was a crucial leg politically, but in terms of tragedy, military strategy and bravery, the events at Cawnpur, Lucknow and Jhansi were on a league of their own. Akash Chattopadhyaya continues taking us through this gripping chapter in our history, how it ended and how the events of the aftermath laid the foundation for a future united and independent India!
    Translation from Urdu of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s couplet mentioned at 35:08:
    kitnā hai bad-nasīb 'zafar' dafn ke liye
    do gaz zamīn bhī na milī kū-e-yār meñ

    How ill-fated is ‘Zafar’ (the poet), even in burial denied,
    A mere two yards of earth in his beloved’s haven.
    Glossary:
    Do gaz zameen – Two yards of earth.
    Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:
    - Map of the Revolt: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Indian_Rebellion_of_1857.jpg
    - Kanpur Memorial Church https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanpur_Memorial_Church.jpg
    - Sati Chaura Ghat or the Massacre Ghat, Kanpur
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Massacre_Ghat_or_Sati_Chaura_Ghat%2C_Kanpur_in_the_1880s_%281%29.JPGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Khooni_darwaza.jpg
    - Memorial well at Bibighar
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Memorial_Well_at_the_Bibi-Ghar_-_The_Indian_Mutiny_1857-1859_Q80542.jpg
    - Jhansi fort around 1857
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1857_jhansi_fort2.jpg
    - Gwalior fort
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CybMdQGSlhE/?next=%2Fenvywoo%2Ffeed%2F&hl=fr
    - Last days of Bahadur Shah Zafar
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bahadur_Shah_Zafar.jpg
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    51 min
  • E22 - We, the resistance: The Revolt of 1857 - Part 1

    Welcome to our special Independence Day episode at ILF Radio!

    Today, in the spirit of commemorating our 77th year of independence, we journey back to the landmark Revolt of 1857, back to the first seeds of revolution that eventually propagated our fight for freedom. In this two-part episode, we bring to you a detailed account of the status of India under company rule, the facts and rumours that sparked one of the most significant resistance movements in South Asian history.
    We are delighted to welcome back passionate historian and friend of the Podcast, Akash Chattopadhyaya, who takes us through a very thorough and nuanced exploration of events from Barrackpore to Delhi. In the first part of the episode we touch upon the status quo in the subcontinent around 1857 and are introduced to the Sepoys of the Bengal Presidency who spearheaded the revolt, its beginnings at Barrackpore and the events during the Siege of Delhi.
    Do tune in with us tomorrow, the 16th of August 2024 to catch Part-2 and the conclusion of the revolt.
    Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:
    - Map of the Revolt: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Indian_Rebellion_of_1857.jpg
    - North 24 Parganas district in Barrackpore, West Bengal where the Revolt started. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:36_Middle_Road_-_Barrackpore_Cantonment_-_North_24_Parganas_2012-10-21_1028.JPG
    - Kashmir Gate C.1857
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1857_cashmeri_gate_delhi.jpg
    - Kashmir Gate today
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kashmiri_Gate%28_front_view%29.JPG
    - Skinner Church, Delhi
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._James%27_Church,_Delhi#/media/File:St._James_Church_9.jpg
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Massacre_of_officers_by_insurgent_cavalry_at_Delhi,.jpg
    - Kabuli Gate or Khooni darwaza
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Khooni_darwaza.jpg
    - Delhi before the Seige
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Delhi_1857.jpg
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    43 min
  • E21 - Tales of ghee and glee: Mandawa

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we walk down the historical streets of Mandawa from the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every stone has a story, and every story is a journey through time!

    Mandawa reveals itself as a tapestry of history, culture, and architectural splendor. This quaint town, established in the mid-18th century, was once a bustling trading outpost renowned for its grand havelis, each adorned with intricate frescoes that narrate tales of a bygone era.
    We are happy to hear these stories from Mandawa narrated to us by Thakur Durga Singh, who hails from the aristocratic family of Mandawa. He has converted his family home in Mandawa into a heritage hotel called Dera Mandawa and plays a prominent role in the tourism of the region.
    For our non-Marwari/ Hindi listeners:
    Glossary:
    Chowk (ek, do, teen) - Open court/ courtyard (one, two, three)
    Karigar - Artist/ Artisan
    Bhootha – Haunted
    Lota : Round water pot, usually made from brass for ablution/ sanitary use
    Angrez - Britisher, Englishmen
    Saab & Memsaab - Sir and Ma’am
    Gulaal - Coloured powders used for some Hindu rituals like Holi
    Rishtedaar - Relatives
    Translation for Marwari/ Hindi dialogues:
    13:56 – “He’s just an ordinary rohida flower, he’s said to have no grey matter and is just handsome.”
    15:46 – You had permission to be the walking buddy of Thakur Sahab or the billionaire Seth Sahab (Sahab meaning Sir) without any hesitation. You would greet them with a namaste, exchange pleasantries, and walk along with them. Groups of women, wealthy women, Brahmins, and people of other castes went into the sunset.
    16:31 – “ Setha (a wealthy merchant) who is that?” “He is my friend! (walking buddy)”
    17:12 – because old havelis and forts did not have any particular space left where you could fit in a toilet.
    17:27 – “So, this is the story behind the Bhailas”
    17:50 – Those of us who live in the desert become so happy when it rains, we say “let’s go have a picnic!”
    18:01 – They employ the service of a chef. And they refer to the confectioners as “artists”.
    18:13: How much ghee (clarified butter) should be used in the preparation of Churma (a popular Rajasthani dish).
    18:16 – Brother, some people want to spend, some people want to save so how to ask the Seth openly how much ghee to add?
    18:45 – If you add a small amount of ghee the churma is sad (crying), if you add a generous amount, the churma is happy (laughing). Essentially to clarify how rich to make the preparation.
    19:18 – Brother it will be laughing only, why cry? Make it laugh, but be judicious with the amount of ghee. “And they say why does the god have tears in his eyes, only when the ox eats hay?” So when should you add clarified butter?” – (A Marwari regional expression)
    20:25 – In every Marwari family there was an unwritten rule. A rule that had been conducted for century after century after century!
    20:39 – They indulge in leisure and ease after their hard work.
    21:51 – (taken over by) either the family astrologer or accountant…
    27:26 – Today, in this climate, how much area will I be able to cover and I will prepare only that amount of wet surface.
    27:58 – It’s written below - the flying ship (Literal translation)
    28:22 – Small children, even right from the age of seven or eight would start learning how to create frescoes from experts
    36:06 – Nowadays nobody sings folk songs anymore. And why does nobody sing anymore? Earlier the whole village used to bustle with the sounds of folklore at a stretch of 15 days. Now they go to school and there has been a cultural erosion where girls that go to school now consider singing folk songs on Gangaur festival as backwards.
    40:06 – “What kind of a bride is she? I raised you with love and care, and look at what has become of you! Yet you don't feel like crying when you leave.”
    44:54 - They were relatives, they were in-laws. (The Hindi word "samdhi" refers to the relationship between the parents of a married couple)
    For visual references and further information on Madawa:
    1. Official website of Dera Mandawa: https://www.deramandawa.com/
    2. ⁠Instagram videos of Durga Singh Ji : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8CkXphPV7Q/?igsh=bGR6ZDZkazRzdDJz
    3. ⁠Painted walls of Shekhawati by Shri Aman Nath and Francis
    4. ⁠The painted towns of Shekhawati by Ilay Cooper
    5. ⁠Shekhawati : Havelis of merchant princes Edited by Abha Narain lambah
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    49 min
  • E20 - Between past and present: Nahargarh Fort

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we visit the Nahargarh fort in Jaipur, built in 1734 by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II when he established this new capital of the Rajput Kingdom.
    Built on the ridge of the Aravalli hills looking upon the walled city of Jaipur, The Nahargarh fort was initially built as a place of retreat connecting Jaipur to the old capital of Amber. Symbolically enough, today Nahargarh still creates a link between the old and the new, where the modern inhabitants of Jaipur continue to enjoy strong ties with their heritage.
    We explore this relationship between this impressive fortress and its people, past and present with Dr. Chandni Chowdhary. She is a passionate conservation architect with a PhD in Heritage based development strategies and is also the co-founder of Jaipur Uncharted, an organization that aims to promote the preservation and appreciation of Jaipur. As a proud Jaipurite, her experience with the famed city is one that's not just scholarly but a deeply personal one.
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come.
    You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    23 min
  • E19 - Family tombs and ties : Khusrau Bagh

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! Join us as we journey to the great Mughal city of Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj. Today we explore a darker side of history buried within the burial complex at the paradisical garden of Khusrau Bagh.
    The mighty Mughal empire enjoyed a grand time marked with tales of heroism, splendour and romance, notwithstanding a fair share of controversy and drama! Like many other Mughal heritage sites, Khusrau Bagh is home to a number of tombs - the final resting place of Emperor Jahangir's wife, eldest son and daughter. While the sandstone mausoleums bear all the splendour of typical Mughal craftsmanship, therein also lies a sordid story of succession, suspicion and sacrifice.
    We are excited to hear these dramatic details presented to us by acclaimed writer, scholar and translator Rana Safvi (@ranasafvi). Rana completed her masters in medieval history from the prestigious Centre for Advanced Studies at Aligarh Muslim University. As a passionate believer in the "Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb", she archives her knowledge of India's rich cultural heritage through her books, blogs, articles and videos. Most notably her blog Hazrat-e-Dilli is a passionate account of the glorious history of our capital. You can also read more about the legends of Khusrau Bagh in her book "A saint, a folk-tale and other stories: Lesser known monuments of India."


    Follow these links for a glimpse of Khusrau Bagh's stunning architecture captured by ILF founder Amit Pasricha: https://www.facebook.com/100052578100181/posts/1844926992357250/, https://www.facebook.com/IndiaLostFound/photos/a.653506534832641/1512592768924009/?type=3&mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v, https://www.facebook.com/IndiaLostFound/photos/a.653506534832641/1145289248987698/?type=3&mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v, https://www.facebook.com/IndiaLostFound/photos/a.653506534832641/1146910218825601/?type=3&mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v, https://www.facebook.com/100052578100181/posts/2050192721830675/, https://www.facebook.com/IndiaLostFound/photos/a.653506534832641/1146643938852229/?type=3&mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v.
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come.
    You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    22 min
  • E18 - Proto pit-stop: Kotada Bhadli

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we will be traveling back to the proto historic period, to the Harappan civilization, within the region of Kutch, where we find a small archaeological expedition that aims to unearth secrets at Kotada Bhadli. A small but significant excavation that may have foretold Gujarat's legacy as the "Dairy Capital" of India.
    Today we have the privilege of hearing the story behind this settlement, delivered to us from the horse's mouth - Dr. Prabodh Shirvalkar, the archaeologist who has been working on Kotada Bhadli since 2009. Prabodh not only briefs us on the archaeological significance of this quaint discovery but also, explains how recent scientific advancements help us break down the chemistry between man and cattle from four millenniums ago!
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come.
    You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    19 min
  • E17 - Something old, something new: The ever growing legacy of Cubbon Park

    Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we take you to the very heart of the garden city of Bengaluru, through its greenest haven in the midst of this bustling silicon capital - Cubbon Park.
    We are joined by the delightful Dr. Meera Iyer as she takes us through a leisurely stroll through this 300 acre lung space. She is the convener of the Bengaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and has authored two books: “Discovering Bengaluru- History. Neighborhood. Walks.” and "A Gardener and a Gentleman: Rao Bahadur HC Javaraya".
    Through the famous “Parichay “walks of INTACH Bangalore, she has been sharing her passion for the history, culture and heritage of Bengaluru with the general public.


    Cubbon Park, officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Park, speaks of a rather unique history, reflected not only through its many colonial edifices, but also amidst a treasure trove of priceless botanical assets which makes it one of the most recognisable and beloved symbols of this city that every Bangalorean calls home.
    Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come.
    You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

    29 min

About India Lost & Found

From the publisher's feed

India Lost & Found by Amit Pasricha (ILF) brings to you ILF Radio, a one-of-a-kind heritage series featuring conversations around India's built heritage with leading experts. Through our episodes we highlight the oral histories associated with India's monuments, be they as grand as epic tales of the past, or as personal as local anecdotes.