Documentation of dying performing art forms in Srikakulam district, AP

On a proposal of Shri D.V. Dharmarao, convenor of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, the ICH division provided fund for the documentation of ten endangered performing art forms. In order to extend meaning to such documentation, the ICH division interacted with the University of Hyderabad, department of Performing arts for inclusion of these forms in its curricula and living research by its students of dance to help in their revival and... Read More

Documentation of Folklore from Nagaland

Folktales, passed on from the elders to the younger generation were an important way of preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them; there is even a folktale to explain illiteracy amongst the Nagas, narrating how a script was given to them on a piece of animal hide that they ate when they were hungry. Folktales offered solutions to dilemmas and gave the community a sense of history and belonging. ICH collaborated with the Adivasi Arts Trust for this... Read More

Endangered Languages in India – Seminar and Publication

A path breaking initiative was the organization of an “International seminar on Endangered Languages of India” to mark the silver jubilee celebrations of INTACH, on 22nd and 23rd October, 2009.  The aim of this seminar was to have discussions and talks about spreading awareness of the existence and dangers of loss of endangered languages, exchanging views and information on the present situation of the languages, ascertaining the place of minority and regional languages in education and... Read More

Research & Documentation of wooden block-makers in Pethapur, Gujarat

The ICH division commissioned Ms. Ritu Sethi, Chairperson of the Craft Revival Trust to research into the status of the wooden block print makers of Pethapur, Gujarat. These block makers form a nodal supply source for block printers in different parts of the country. However the tradition is undergoing many changes due to shifting economic and social patterns. The practitioners have actually moved from the original block-makers to the potter community. There are only a few elders of the... Read More

Documentation of traditional medicinal practises among Khasis, Meghalaya

A documentary film on “Traditional medicinal practises among the Khasis in Meghalaya” was commissioned by the ICH division from Prabhat Sawyan of Meghalaya. This is a very subject-oriented documentation of various herbs and medicinal plants. The film gives details of production of medicinal substances out of local raw materials, and the exact use of these... Read More