Art History

Ratna Sharma

Study of Mithila Painting

From the very beginning I was planning to gain a knowledge of the layers of Mithila painting, especially its relationship with other practices of folk-art. I was, and still am, of the opinion that Mighila painting is a living tradition which is supported by many other folk practices of the region. Its history, myths, usefulness, sociology, social significance, ritual normative patterns, hidden philosophy and last, but not least, the creativity of the women who paint, are very important factors to know.

Jyoti Mehta

Living Art of Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh

This award motivated and helped me to explore the art and cultural heritage of small folk pockets of Rajasthan & UP. I was pursuing my Masters in History of Art when I got this award. The classroom studies provide us with a theoretical know how of any subject. To get involved and understand the practical significance and importance of arts and culture in rural areas one has to deeply interact with the local habitats.

Jitendra Pratap Singh

A study of  Bihara ki Laka Kalayen, the Folk Art of Bihar

This grant assisted me in my research work for a PhD dissertation on folk art in Bihar. The PhD dissertation was submitted in 2001.

B Sekhar

Video documentation of museum objects in Tamil Nadu

The project bult on my earlier award from the NTICVA and focused on the Nayak temples in Tamil Nadu. This in turn led to a major research project funded by the University Grants Commission.

Dr Syamali Das

Baluchar silk and temple terracottas: a comparative study of motifs

The award gave me a good opportunity to travel and visit many terracotta temples in remote villages in Bengal that remained unknown and undocumented. I have (2001) prepared a popular article and two research papers are ready for publication. I interact usefully with a stream of students and research workers from the Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati and Burdwan University Bardhaman.

Samson Davis

Photo-documentation of mural paintings of Christian Churches of Kerala

By career I am a biology teacher, and my interest in the field of art is actually extra curricular. However I am trying to co-relate my career with the field of art by doing some studies related to art-conservation. I have conducted some studies on bio-deterioration of objects of cultural value in Kerala where this is (2001) a pioneering attempt. The encouragement and financial support provided by the NTICVA grant was helpful for preparing the background of the present study.

Renuka Sangappa Kadapatti

The Silharas of Kohlapur, A survey of temples in Kohlapur and vicinity

This project built on my MA dissertation (MS University of Baroda) "the Koppesvara temple at Khidrapur: a study of architectural renovations". That work focused on the stylisc analysis of the temple architecture. A large number of temples of this period have been destroyed or perished over time, and there was a clear need to develop more detailed documentation of the Kolhapur area in the Sikhara period. This grant allowed me to make a start with this work. I hope (2001) to undertake the study of the architecture of the Northern and Southern Konkan for a PhD.

Sudhanshu Nautiyal

Wood-carving in Saharanpur, Panjab

I received the grant when I was pursuing my MA at the National Museum Institute, New Delhi. It gave me an opportunity to have first hand experience of working in the field. I interacted with local artisans and got a deeper understanding of various aspects involved in woodcarving. I have no doubt in claiming that this was one of the first pieces of work ever to have been done on this art. Without the grant I don't think I could have done such a work, and the award has played a significant role in shaping my career.

Sathyabhama Badhreenath

To study Rashtrakuta influences in Tamil Nadu

The topic  for my second award was so chosen because there is very scanty material available on the subject which forms a vital part of Tamilnadu (an art rich state). Tamilnadu, known for its rich art and culture is equally adept at adopting cultures of other states, and in this sense, the art influences of one of the major dynasties of South India assume importance. These awards have given me encouragement and have honed my skills to view the subject in a different perspective. After completing the project report, I have given lectures to junior staff about my observations.

Dr G Kulathuran

Pillar sculptures of the Mahamandapa of Ramaswamy Temple

The findings of the project were communicated in national seminars. Based on these pilot studies I have now (2001) undertaken a major project, funded by the University Grants Commission. Simultaneously I have been doing a PhD on the ecological and environmental impact on monuments and their conservation and hope to develop this in the context of temple studies. The funding shortages in my institution were balanced by the timely awards received from your Trust, and my project work was also considered as part of my career development evaluation by my institution.

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