For the study and documentation of Ganjifa, an indigenous card game, and the artists who paint the cards in various parts of the country. The research is expected to result in publications intended to introduce children to the game and its culture, booklets to help NGOs popularise and market Ganjifa card games, and material for use in multimedia.
For the study and documentation of the almost extinct pottery traditions of the women of the Kota community in the Nilgiris. The study will focus on the myth and lore linked to the tradition, which is kept alive only in yearly and secret ritual, and lead to a revival of the Kota women’s occupation and a market for their products.
For preparatory research towards a travelling exhibition on the life and work of Nirode Mazumdar, considered by many to be an important and unfairly ignored figure in modern Indian painting. The study will also result in catalogues and publications for use in galleries and art schools, and the marketing of an audio-visual package.
For a feminist study of women photographers in the country, exploring their role and their distinct approach to photography. The study will help formulate a media course on women and photography; form part of the investigator’s dissertation on women and technology; and eventually feed into a film. The acquired material will be placed with a Delhi-based women’s media organisation and a school of communications.
For the study and documentation of the commercial visual art of Calcutta at the turn of the century. The project will result in an illustrated monograph and an extensive visual archive of prints, paintings, illustrations and photographs that is expected to open up new avenues for research in history and cultural studies.
For an interdisciplinary study and documentation of five significant compositions of south Indian classical musician-saint Muttusvami Diksitar, resulting in an audio-visual archive. The study hopes to contribute fresh theoretical perspectives to ethnomusicology, music theory and cultural anthropology.
For the development of a manual/activity book to sensitise students to Indian craft traditions, craftspersons and their social environment. The manual is intended for use in educational institutions run by central and state governments, and national NGOs.
For the study of Karaga, a traditional ritual practice in honour of Draupadi, viewed as a social performance. The published outcome is expected to contribute to studies that probe the intersections between cultural anthropology and performance studies.
For assessing, documenting and cataloguing an existing collection of photographs, magazines, books and videos on Indian and Asian cinema. The project is expected to add value to the only library and archive of its kind in North India and strengthen its position as a film centre.
For the survey and documentation of the problems and needs of Indian museums of art and archaeology. INTACH’s subsidiary, the Advanced Centre for Conservation Research and Training, Lucknow, will closely examine the current status of museums and bring out a report that outlines nationwide strategies to improve their functioning.
