The 108 Portraits of Indian Culture and Heritage is a series of fourteen titles which presents an encyclopaedic view of India’s immeasurable traditional knowledge, each title tracing the development and history of a unique discipline through the lens of arts and aesthetics.
The books are available in paperback and hardback formats, as singles and in set.
Cover Price ₹14,499.00 (PB) and ₹17,499.00 (HB)
India’s rich cultural heritage embraces indigenous and vernacular art, deeply intertwined with nature and daily life. Crafted with organic materials and natural pigments, indigenous art reflects universal harmony. Vernacular art, expressed through performances and paintings, portrays customs and traditions. The author explores these traditions, from intricate tattoos to vibrant paintings, offering insights into the integrated worldview of these communities. Richly illustrated, the text illuminates art forms like Gond, Bhil, and Warli, Madhubani, Kalighat painting, and more.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
India’s diverse crafts heritage embodies its cultural pluralism. From pottery to intricate ikat weaves, crafts showcase India’s richness. While traditionally male-dominated, some crafts like lepai and doll-making for festivals are solely female-led, reflecting evolving gender dynamics. Crafts span materials from seashells to metal, each reflecting regional culture. The author highlights hand-knotted kaleen, kundan jewelry, and lesser-known gems like Aranmula kannadi mirrors and ganjifa cards. Illustrated and myth-infused, the book celebrates Indian artisans’ creativity.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Indian textiles boast a rich history, from ancient Indus Valley weaves to globally coveted muslins. Techniques like hand-block printing and intricate embroideries showcase India’s textile mastery. The author delves into costume evolution, from ancient drapes to modern influences like stitched attire. Traditional textiles endure in contemporary fashion, blending with global trends. The book explores draped sarees, stylish chooridars, and Mughal angrakhas, accentuating luxurious fabrics and vibrant pigments through curated visuals of ancient art and textiles.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Indian music, rooted in Vedic chants, evolved into a diverse tapestry of traditions. From shlokas to classical Hindustani and Carnatic, folk, and indigenous melodies, each genre embodies the nation’s cultural mosaic. Indo-Islamic influence introduced Khayal gayaki, while Mughal courts fostered classical Hindustani. The author explores contributions from figures like Amir Khusro and Pandit Bhatkhande, enriching the narrative with vivid descriptions and imagery of performers and instruments.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
With a history spanning over 5000 years, India’s evolution from hunter-gatherer to the Indus Valley Civilization is a testament to its rich and dynamic past. The subcontinent’s aesthetic tradition shines through everyday objects, crafted meticulously from diverse materials like cast iron and papier-mâché. The author showcases a stunning array of items, from kitchenware to farm tools, each depicted with captivating images, transforming every page into a visual delight.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
India’s diverse cultural landscape boasts distinctive dance forms in each of its 28 states and eight union territories. Alongside numerous folk dances, eight classical styles recognized by the national academy highlight the nation’s rich dance heritage. From temple rituals to grand durbars, Indian dance seamlessly adapts to various occasions. Operatic elements are also prevalent, with epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted through stylized forms like Koodiyattam and Theyyam. This book offers a glimpse into India’s vibrant dance traditions, celebrating its journey from divine art to popular entertainment.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Food in India reflects a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, with immense variety shaped by diverse rituals and festivals. Ayurveda, a key component of Indian wellness, categorizes food into three types, reflecting different qualities. In a post-pandemic world, vegetarianism is on the rise globally, drawing attention to India’s diverse vegetarian cuisine and its sustainable practices. This book explores the bio-diversity of Indian cuisine, showcasing endless dishes and innovative approaches while honoring traditional wisdom. The author delves into the hybrid nature of Indian cuisine, influenced by various cultures from Persian to European, enriching its culinary landscape.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
India’s creative diversity is evident in its traditional art, steeped in cultural heritage and passed down through generations. The author traces this vibrant history from ancient rock-cut drawings to Buddhist murals, South Indian temple paintings, and iconic Madhubani art. The book showcases a rich array of mediums, from stone to canvas, each imbued with natural dyes and colors, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Illustrated with splendid images, it celebrates the evolution of Indian art across mediums and styles.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Sculpture in the Indian subcontinent showcases the artistic prowess and technical skill of the sthapati or sculptor, spanning terracotta, stone, and metal. From the classicism of the Gupta era to modern regional styles, sculptures narrate India’s rich artistic history. The author meticulously traces this evolution, highlighting the celebration of the female form in Indian art. With a curated selection of photographs spanning millennia, the book captures the diversity and beauty of Indian sculpture, from ancient icons to contemporary figures like Mayawati.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
From the urban planning of the Indus Valley to the diverse styles of the late eighteenth century, Indian architecture spans over 4,400 years, showcasing a unique blend of buildings and materials. Influenced by ancient texts like the Samrangan Sutradhar and Vastu Shastra, dwellings, temples, and public spaces reflect intricate designs and evolving styles. This book visually traces the evolution of Indian architecture through different epochs, offering a captivating journey from ancient times to the modern era, including glimpses of contemporary late twentieth-century designs.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Modern and contemporary Indian art form a continuum marked by unique characteristics and influences, particularly in painting. India’s modernity emerged amidst significant shifts, notably the rise of nationalism, which spurred individualism alongside a continuation of tradition. Post-independence, modern masters seamlessly transitioned into the contemporary art scene, addressing issues of identity, gender, and activism. From late nineteenth-century art schools to contemporary expressions embracing technology, the author navigates the evolution of Indian art, encompassing diverse styles, feminist perspectives, and societal discourses.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Photography emerged in India within five years of its invention in Britain and France, initially serving as a complement to painting and a visual record of history. Initially dominated by foreigners due to its expense and complexity, Indian royals soon embraced the medium. Raja Deen Dayal was among the first Indian photographers to excel. Over time, photography evolved into a fine art genre, offering insights into history, culture, and identity. The author provides an insightful overview, tracing photography’s evolution from picturesque and architectural subjects to contemporary genres like photojournalism and fashion. Illustrated with a curated selection of photographs spanning from the 1850s to the present, the book elucidates mechanical processes and diverse genres, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the medium.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Printmaking, one of the oldest forms of art, boasts a rich tradition in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization. From ancient mark-making techniques like lepai to modern innovations like 3D and LED UV printing, printmaking has continuously evolved. The author delves into this fascinating journey, exploring indigenous styles alongside techniques like serigraphy and woodcuts. From nationalist movements to contemporary expressions, printmaking in India reflects a unique aesthetic, celebrated by modern masters and contemporary artists alike.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
Design, deeply rooted in India’s heritage, spans architecture, clothing, and everyday objects. From ancient structures to modern institutions like the National Institute of Design, design education has flourished, attracting young talents. While relatively new in academia, design, including graphic, product, and fashion design, has significantly influenced India’s history. The field continues to expand, offering new typologies, textures, and patterns each year. The author explores this evolution, tracing Indian design from indigenous craft traditions to formal academic practices, illuminating its diverse and vibrant journey.
Cover Price ₹1199.00 (PB) and ₹1499.00 (HB)
