Nagara, Dravidian, Vesara: Temple Styles of India
The architecture, iconography and divine design of Hindu temple architecture through the lens of its royal patrons
Maharashtra
Empire of Faith: Into the realm of the Buddha & the Mauryas
Most Indians are familiar with the great emperors and exploits of the Mauryan empire. But until a few hundred years ago, their legacies lay buried in ruins, their faith forgotten by time. This is the story of a remarkable resurrection
Khandala Railway Station
This photograph of the Khandala railway station in the Bombay Presidency (today in Maharashtra) is attributed to Alice Tredwell, a mid nineteenth century railway contractor and photographer. She had arrived in India with her husband, Solomon Tredwell, a railway contractor in 1859 for working on the completion of the Bhor Ghat section of the Great… Read more »
Muhammad Shah, Silver Rupee of Kolhapur Mint
In the years following Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the lustre of the Mughal empire began to dull. Territories shrunk as three emperors came and went, dispatched speedily by enemies and influential noblemen. But even in these uncertain times, one managed stay on and reign for 29 years. Roshan Akhtar Muhammad Shah, popularly known as Rangeela,… Read more »
Akbar, Silver Coin of Elichpur Mint
Elichpur has an interesting place in history. The city today known as Achalpur in Maharasthra was for long a bone of contention between a revolving group of players including the Delhi Sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas and other kingdoms. Elichpur makes an appearance in medieval texts for the first time in 1269 CE, when Alauddin… Read more »
Gateway Of India: The Birth Of Photography In 19th-Century Bombay
Compelling portraits from our archive of a budding metropolis, its evolving skyline and fascinating people
Warli: Harvesting
Warli is a tribal artform mostly created by natives of the North Sahyadri ranges of India, encompassing many regions of Maharashtra. Originally warli was done on the walls of their huts by women, but now men also practice this art. The subject matter is always depictions of their day to day life and their close… Read more »
Warli: Threshing
Warli is a tribal artform mostly created by natives of the North Sahyadri ranges of India, encompassing many regions of Maharashtra. Originally warli was done on the walls of their huts by women, but now men also practice this art fomr. The subject matter is always depictions of their day to day life and their… Read more »
Elephanta
This Johnson and Henderson image shows the outer facade of one fo the caves at the Elephanta Cave Complex in Maharashtra. The primary entrance to the gateway is guarded by two seated stone liones, while military men in unifrom and two kids pose on the steps.
Karlee (now Karle) Musicians
A group of musicians at Karle Caves, located in Maharashtra. On the backdrop can be seen buddha figures meditating, and a row of elephants all carved onto the monolithic structure. The musicians appear to be in motion playing an assortment of instruments, which include Nagaras, and various Indian flutes.
Poona (now Pune), The Joona Warra
This photograph taken in the 1860s shows the imposing walls of Shaniwar Wada, which was once the royal residence of the Peshwas. In 1828 a great fire started inside the palace complex tarnished most of the fort, leaving only the heavy granite ramparts, teak gateways and some building ruins. The view looks towards the entrance… Read more »