ARTS and CULTURE

A recent news report about the iconic Russell market in Bangalore likely to make way for a swanky new market as part of "Smart city" plan, triggered a flood of memories and resulted in me penning down this account. The family Ambassador would gently amble past glorious St Mary's Basilica and park in the square in front of the market. Finding a parking spot was a no-brainer back then. We kids (siblings and I) would tumble out of the car in earnest with big baskets in hand, with an elder or two keeping a watchful eye on us. We would…

First  it was Madras Day, then Madras Week. And now some say it should be Madras Month. And if that were to be accepted, today would be the first day of Madras Month! Happy birthday month to namma Madras! It has been reasonably established that 22 August 1639 was the day Andrew Cogan and Francis Day of the East India Company, purchased the village of Madrasapattinam from Damarla Venkatapathy, Nayak of Vandavasi, owing allegiance to the Vijayanagara kings. First, a trading post was established at the site. In 1640 the foundations of Fort St George were laid, and the rest,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been extremely keen to promote Indian culture as a virtuous lifestyle both within the country and abroad. Ancient Indian traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda are being pushed by the Government. Modi’s gifts to foreign dignitaries are often thoughtful symbols of historical events and the crafts of India. It therefore comes as a shock, that the same Government that deservedly places such a high value on our ancient and profound heritage, has proposed a dilution of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act)of 1958 to allow large-scale construction in the vicinity of…

Queer Arts Movement India (QAMI) is four years old and the event’s theme this year is ‘One Love’. QAMI aims to provide a space for non-judgemental inclusion and acceptance of all marginalised communities. Having started out as a fundraising event, QAMI Habba today involves people from across the country. It serves as a space for dialogue, liberation of thoughts, and free expression of emotions. “The focus of QAMI is to make the mainstream audience understand about the queer community, through art,” says Romal. He believes that art is a medium that can make people look beyond their preset notions and…

Cynthia dabbles mainly in stoneware pottery and has explored many forms, from accessories, decorative pieces to functional pottery. Over two decades, she has been learning and discovering more about the medium and herself too. In this edition of Active Bangalore, Cynthia talks about her passion for pottery and more. https://soundcloud.com/radioactivecr90-4mhz/active-bangalore-featuring-potter-cynthia-suzan

As soon as you exit the MG Road metro station on Church Street side, the whole wall is filled with murals of children laughing and playing. The sight leaves a huge smile on one's face and is a testament to the astonishing artwork of Pune-based mural artist Harshvardhan Kadam and the students of Srishti School of Design. Walking down the steps of the Cubbon Park metro station is a sight that is the exact opposite of what most people expect to find. The usual drab and dull walls of the station are painted with plants and flowers of varying colours…

Driving along Millers Road, you suddenly notice an undulating compound wall that appears to be made out of sheets with delicate wires strung across to create a sense of enclosure. You look up and notice a stone facade punctured by large windows, flat chajjas above, glass panels as balcony railings, metal verticals - as you absorb all these details in passing you realise that the house was probably designed by an architect, and you are also able to take in certain features that remind you of a particular architectural style… Years ago as a student of architecture, I remember plodding…

Active Bangalore is a programme that is broadcast every Thursday. In this episode, RJ Vijaya speaks with Yashaswini Sharma who shares some facts about the architecture of some of Bengaluru's old temples like Old temples - Halasuru Someshwara, Pete Ranganatha Swamy, Dharmaraya gudi, Annamma, Kote Anjaneya, Kote Venkataramana Swamy, Gavigangadhareshwara and Dodda Basava.  

Bangalore became the land of opportunity for many people since the IT boom in the late 90s. But what was Bengaluru like earlier? A glimpse into the past, through this photo essay that captures three houses from the 40s, 60s and 70s. These three houses which are roughly 40, 50 and 70 years old, all located in south Bengaluru - two in Jayanagar and one in Basavanagudi. Both are planned neighbourhoods - Basavanagudi is one of the oldest planned areas of the city. It was proposed in 1898 as one of the extensions to the City or Pettah in order…

Have you ever wondered how and why Bengaluru was established? What was it like? Did you know that the name 'Bengaluru' could have been derived from either a form of granite or the 'Honge' tree (Indian beech)? According to Yashaswini, based on inscriptions found, Bengaluru was established as a trading town during 537 AD by Kempegowda. Listen in to this interview in the series, to learn more about the history of Bengaluru and its various petes and people.