India Lost & Found

This week we are visiting the sanctum of the Thanjavur temples. Revolving around the paintings, music, dance and drama traditions of the Cholas, we look into the history through literary as well as oral sources.

Built with the mechanism to last for thousands of years, the evolution of the Thanjavur temples from small brick constructions to massive stone structures is an engineering marvel for all(generations) to witness. It's rich sculptural elements and intricate carvings have truly been a work of panache.

Delving into the rich inscriptions on the temple walls, we talk about the administration, role of women and the devdasi tradition during cholas in a new light and how temples acted as important political, social and economic authorities of the time.

For this episode we will camp right at the heart of Vasai and travel to a city from the 16th century. Located very close to the financial capital of Mumbai, The Vasai Fort (or The Fort of Vasai) with its rich history has been home to a dynamic group of population and its architecture carries within itself the stories of many centuries. 

Ranging from the Portuguese advent and their growing prosperity in the region to the local rebellion, the many exchange of hands leading to its final ownership and subsequent downfall; the fort has had numerous tales to tell and we'll listen to all of them in this week's episode.

For this episode we have embroidered a piece of Uttrakhand with the threads of Gartang Gali that stitched together India and Tibet. This ancient trade route in the Nelong valley was the prime medium of transport for the Jaad Bhutiya community, who acquired a unique identity over a period of this cultural and economic exchange. The history of this wooden bridge needles into the identities of these communities; not only in its physical form but also through the intangible aspects, folklores and other lesser-known stories.

This week our stop is at the beautiful Nilambag Palace which accommodates the history of Bhavnagar.  Its distinct architecture and natural environment provide us with an enriching experience altogether. You can get on this ride expecting to learn all about the royal family of Bhavnagar, the historical account of Nilambag and the future it holds as a heritage property.

This week we are traveling the roads of what is popularly known to us as Lutyens Delhi. We are looking into how the capital shift led us to this architectural boon, the town planning committee involved in it, and was it really Lutyens’ Delhi? But mostly how these edifices have made a truly dynamic capital out of Delhi and the legacy that it has left behind.

This week we will embark upon the journey of how Sultangarhi, a mausoleum commissioned by Iltutmish, was able to survive under the dynamic group of rulers and to have later, become a part of Firoz shah Tughlaq’s reign, to see itself revive. All of this comes down to Sultangarhi emerging as a sacred site which has found a special place in the hearts of the people and all faiths alike.