S Venkatraaman (Poochi Venkat). "Lineside: The Origin & Legacy of Railways in Madras". Aug 1, 2026.

In his talk "Lineside: The Origin and Legacy of Railways in Madras", naturalist, photographer and heritage enthusiast 'Poochi' S Venkataraaman explores the beginnings of the railway system and showcases its evolution through vintage photographs and historical snippets. He will also help us understand how the railways developed around Madras and South India with interesting stories about the experiments and innovations unique to Madras. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, August 1st, 2026. About The Speaker: S Venkataraaman, popularly known as Poochi Venkat, hails from a family of playwrights, editors, artists, and writers, notably R.K. Narayan and R.K. Laxman. His interest in visual arts began after receiving a gift of his uncle’s cartoons and later discovering a hidden film-movie-camera which had been used by his father. While in school, Venkat started a mini photo lab at home, earning additional pocket money by printing and selling photographs to friends and neighbours. Subsequently, his focus shifted to Sound and Electronics, and he chose to pursue a career as a Sound Engineer, designing and manufacturing audio systems. In 1991, he returned to photography full-time, combining it with print design. His early assignments involved Reprography which required macro techniques. In one such assignment, he had to duplicate nearly 200 slides of micro-fauna which led to a photo-scientific research on spiders. In 1998, during a photo-research assignment in Chennai’s Guindy National Park, the forest officials admiringly called him “Poochi Venkat” to mark his dedication in documenting creepy-crawlies! That name has now become the trademark for Venkat and his macro work! Over three decades, Venkat has handled various genres of photography like Macro, Perspective, Architecture, Repro, Medical, Corporate, Low-lux to name a few. He has worked as a professional medical photographer for dentists, surgeons, and professors, mainly because of his comfort level with intense surgical procedures in the hospitals. Venkat also works as a video editor. In the last 18 years, he has worked on 70 short & documentary films, and one feature film. He specializes in the style of Photo-Films which have been screened across the world. His experience in sound-engineering helps immensely in post-production.

Inviting Nominations for Venkayya Award 2026

 

Smt. Sunitha Madhavan and Tamil Heritage Trust are proud and happy to invite nominations for the Fifth V Venkayya Epigraphy Award (2026). This unique annual award was established in 2022 by Smt. Madhavan to honor her great-grandfather, Rai Bahadur Shri V Venkayya, the pioneering scholar who became the first native Chief Epigraphist to the Government of India.

(Rai Bahadur) Shri V. Venkayya, born in 1864 in the lineage of the illustrious scholar Appaya Dikshita of the 16th century, was one of the pioneering epigraphists of India. His contribution to understanding the inscriptions of Pallavas, starting with Mamallapuram and Cholas with the Brahadeeswara Temple, broke new ground in the field of Epigraphy in India. He also deciphered the writing (legends) on coins. A chance meeting with Dr. E. Hultzsch, the famous German Indologist and ASI’s first Chief Epigraphist, at Mamallapuram, turned the obscure school teacher into an expert in epigraphy, who eventually became the first Indian Chief Epigraphist to the Government of India.  His stellar effort in unravelling, recording and deciphering hundreds of lithic and copper-plate inscriptions of Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and others through publications like “South Indian Inscriptions” inspired many epigraphists and historians to record, reconstruct and write the history of South India in a new light with clarity and scholarship. 

The V. Venkayya Epigraphy Award (VVE Award) seeks to honor outstanding individual contributions in the discovery of unrecorded inscriptions, the interpretation of inscriptions from new perspectives, the dissemination of their knowledge through traditional and digital mediums, and the preservation of epigraphic resources for future generations.  

The nominees can be professionals in the field of epigraphy, independent researchers, or enthusiasts with a substantial body of work in advancing epigraphy in India. Collective entities such as societies, trusts, Section 8 companies, and other interest groups are ineligible for this award.

The Award is based on a nomination and selection process. The Award consists of a citation and a prize of Rs. 50000/- 

Dr. Y Subbarayalu, one of India’s eminent Epigraphers and Historians, received the inaugural V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2022. Dr P V Krishnamurthy, one of the foremost Kannada Epigraphers, was conferred the second V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2023. Dr V. Vedachalam, one of the best-known Tamil Epigraphers, received the third V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2024.  Dr Shrinivas V. Padigar is a distinguished historian, epigraphist, and archaeologist was the winner of the award in 2025.

Nomination Process

1. Any individual can nominate another or self-nominate for noteworthy contributions to epigraphy.
2. Only one nomination per individual is allowed.
3. Nominations from 2024 and 2025, if not awarded, will automatically be considered this year.  No re-nomination needed.
4. Nominees must be Indian citizens residing in India.
5. Email nominations to awards.tht@gmail.com by July 19, 2026.
6. No standard nomination form is required, but submissions must include: 
• Personal Details: Name, address, contact info, photograph, and brief biodata.
• Contribution Details: Summary of work in epigraphy, focusing on the past decade (in MS Word, PowerPoint, or PDF).
• Supporting Documents: Evidence like published papers, articles, website/blog links, talks, courses, or social media activity.
• Submissions must be in English.

Selection of Winner

A jury comprising experts from the field of Epigraphy, History and Heritage and members of the THT Award Committee will select the winner.   As a part of the selection process, the members of the jury may choose to have an interaction with the nominee in person or over the phone. 

Award Ceremony & Award Lecture

The V Venkayya Epigraphy Award will be presented at a formal function on August 22, 2026 in Chennai. 

The winner will be invited to deliver an Award Lecture on a topic of their choice and is requested to submit the manuscript for publication at least a week before the function. The lecture is preferably to be in English

FAQs

Am I eligible to enter?

We welcome nominations from any individual who is a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India.  Organisations and institutions – like Societies, Trusts, Interest Groups, etc – are not eligible.

Nominations not considered for the award in the years 2024 & 2025 need not be sent again this year. Those nominations will be automatically considered for the award this year 

  

What is the Last Date for Nomination?

The last date for the Nomination to reach THT is July 19, 2026. 

What are the criteria for selection?

The judges will look for, among other qualities and parameters:

• New epigraphical discoveries or insights
• Thoroughness of knowledge in the chosen area
• Scholarly rigour in the individual’s output
• Demonstrable eagerness to share with the public and involve them in a dialogue
• Consistency and persistence of the effort 

In what language should the Nomination be submitted? 

Nominations can be sent in English only. 

Is there an Entry Fee? 

No, there is no fee involved. 

When will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced shortly before the Award Ceremony and the Award Lecture.

 

When and where is the Awards Function?

The function will be held on Aug 22, 2026, at Arkay Convention Centre, Chennai, at 5:30 p.m. 

Is it necessary for the Winner to deliver the Award Lecture?

Yes, the Winner will be expected to deliver the Award Lecture at the Ceremony, in English, on a topic of her/his choice. 

Terms + Conditions of Entry

The Award will be made solely at the discretion of the Jury. No feedback or correspondence will be entertained about the results, and the Jury’s decision is final.

For any clarifications, please mail us at: awards.tht@gmail.com 

Phone: Ravishankar: 9500074247

Sherin Someetharan. "Buddhism: The Religion of Trade Routes & Maritime Connections". July 4, 2026.

In her talk "Buddhism: The Religion of Trade Routes and Maritime Connections", author and heritage researcher Sherin Someetharan explains how the evolution of Buddhism into a global religion was deeply tied to ancient trade networks. She also delves into the important role played by the Tamil region in sustaining and expanding these networks. About The Author: Sherin Someetharan, IRS, is a government servant, serving as an Additional Commissioner of Customs and GST. With an academic background in History, she is an avid researcher of Indian art, architecture, culture, and linguistics, exploring their nuances through comparative and scholarly analogies. An avid photographer since her college days, she uses photography to document heritage and artistic traditions, often showcasing her work through curated exhibitions. Sherin is committed to mentoring students, guiding them in academic pursuits and competitive exam preparation. A mother of two, she focuses on low impact living and conscious consumption, and actively pursues her interests in organic farming and gardening.

Indology Festival 2026 - Caves, Courts and Beyond - Painting Traditions of India, June 11-16, 5:30 PM IST

Subhashini Maniam. "Between Legacy and Self: Becoming Maniam Selven". May 2, 2026.

In her talk "Between Legacy and Self: Becoming Maniam Selven", renowned artist Ma.Se’s daughter, Subhashini Maniam, explores the life and works of Maniam Selven, tracing his remarkable journey from aspiring Air Force pilot to acclaimed artist. She highlights his evolving style, his constant experimentation with techniques and media, and his enduring legacy as a unique bridge between illustration and fine art. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, May 2, 2026. About the Speaker: ----------------------------- Subhashini Maniam, the daughter of Maniam Selven, is an experienced artist and educator based in Western Australia, with over 20 years of contributions to the arts communities in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Western Australia. With a background in Fine Arts and Contemporary Art Practices, Subhashini is passionate about cross-cultural integration and nurturing the next generation of artists. She has conducted children’s workshops across various arts centres in Perth and specialises in watercolours, sketching, and Plein air painting, drawing inspiration from nature. Trained in Carnatic music, Subhashini brings a unique, multidisciplinary approach to her artistic practice. Her versatility is demonstrated in a wide range of projects, including visual design, set development, music presentations, workshops, and curatorial roles.

A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The 'Knit India Through Literature' Project by Sivasankari. Apr 4, 2026, 5:30 PM

Knit India Through Literature, the monumental sixteen-year literary and journalistic endeavour by acclaimed Tamil author Sivasankari is set against this backdrop. Conceived in the pre-internet era, this multi-volume anthology sets out to bridge India’s cultural and linguistic diversity by bringing the richness of regional literatures to a wider audience—ultimately fostering a shared, “collective literary identity.”

In her talk, "A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The Knit India Through Literature Project", Sivasankari, will take us through the vision and scale of this extraordinary project—its purpose, methodology, and enduring outcomes. She will recount her journeys across the country, the writers she engaged with, and the insights she gathered along the way. Reflecting on both personal experiences and broader literary currents, she will also explore the continuing relevance of Indian literature—past, present, and future—within both national and global contexts. About the Speaker: Sivasankari is one of Tamil literature’s most distinguished and widely read authors. Her works include over 36 novels, 48 short novels, 150 short stories, 15 travelogues, 7 collections of articles, one talking book, 4 volumes of literary research book, 2 volumes of anthologies, and 2 biographies. Her latest work is the publication of Suryavamsam, her autobiography in two volumes. Six of her novels have been filmed in Tamil receiving popular public acclaim for their integrity and social commitment. One of her stories has been filmed in Kannada and one in Telugu. Sivasankari has been reporting on significant events and has also presented several in-depth interviews with dignitaries from various walks of life, including the Prime Ministers late Smt Indira Gandhi and Sri Rajiv Gandhi, Mother Teresa and former president Sri APJ Abdul Kalam. Her landmark project, Knit India Through Literature, reflects her enduring commitment to fostering national integration through cultural understanding. In recognition of her immense contribution to literature and society, she was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honours. Through her writings and initiatives, she continues to inspire readers across generations and linguistic boundaries.

DrJennifer Howes. "Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century". Mar 7, 2026

In the mid-eighteenth century, the East India Company established its first-ever military base at Madras. As its army grew, the Company developed into a political power.

In her illustrated talk, "From Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century", art historian Dr Jennifer Howes examines artworks and buildings that the East India Company commissioned in the late eighteenth century, both at Madras and in London, which chart this transformation. These paintings, sculptures and buildings provide a unique framework for understanding the history of Madras Presidency. About the Speaker: Dr Jennifer Howes is a UK based Art Historian who writes about South Asia and colonialism. Her work connects archival sources with art to narrate new approaches to colonial history. She curates and advises on exhibitions, academic publications and other projects. Her most recent book, “The Art of a Corporation”, examines the East India Company through the lens of paintings, sculptures and buildings in London. Originally from Canada, Dr Howes received her doctorate in Art & Archaeology from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her first book, The Courts of Pre-Colonial South India, is based on her PhD thesis. Dr Howes worked in the British Library's India Office Collections for 15 years, first as a British Academy post-doctoral scholar, then as Curator of Prints and Drawings. Her second book, Illustrating India: The Early Colonial Investigations of Colin Mackenzie, was a British Library-supported project funded by the John Paul Getty Foundation and the British Academy.

Dr Kurush Dalal. "Rediscovering Mumbai: The Salcette Exploration Project". Feb 7, 2026.

The Salcette Exploration Project, an urban archaeological initiative jointly conducted by three institutions, focuses on uncovering history in the broader Salcette area, the larger island immediately north of the original seven islands of Bombay, extending from present-day Bandra, Kurla and Chembur to Thane in the north. Based on surface exploration surveys where teams scour every street of Salcette, the study looked for archaeological remnants of pre-colonial Mumbai in sites where they are more likely to be found - in congregational public spaces and residential zones. Since 2015, the team has unearthed microlithic stone tools, previously undocumented caves, religious artifacts from the Shilahara period, relics of temples and much more. In his talk, Rediscovering Mumbai: The Salcette Exploration Project, Dr Kurush Dalal shares his experiences in leading one of the largest urban archaeology projects. He takes us through the team’s findings that date back from over ten thousand years ago to medieval times. About the Speaker: Kurush F Dalal has a BA in Ancient Indian History and History from the University of Mumbai), an MA in Archaeology as well as a PhD on the early Iron Age in Rajasthan, both from Deccan College, Pune University. Subsequently he shifted focus to the Early Medieval Period predominantly on the West Coast of India and excavated the sites of Sanjan, Chandore and Mandad. These excavations and the data recovered have had a strong impact on scholarship in the region. Dr Dalal also actively works on Memorial Stones and Ass-curse Stones in India and dabbles in Numismatics, Defense Archaeology, Architecture, Ethnoarchaeology and allied disciplines. He is the Co-Director of the Salcette Exploration Project, a massive Urban Archaeology Project documenting the Archaeology of Mumbai since 2015, thus extending his interest from the Medieval into the Colonial Period. Dr Dalal taught archaeology and allied subjects at the University of Mumbai for 10 years. and is a visiting lecturer at various Universities, Colleges, Schools and Government Institutions. He has published 7 edited volumes, 44 academic papers and has read many more at National and International Seminars. He was Consulting Editor with Live History India writing about Food and Archaeology where he published 90 online articles and helped make 10 videos, amongst other materials. He was the Director, School of Archaeology, INSTUCEN Trust, Mumbai and is the founder, mentor, lecturer and research lead at Gyaan Factory, Mumbai Dr Dalal inherited a catering business and has been researching about food all his life. He has been actively lecturing about Food and Archaeology and Culinary Anthropology. He runs The Studying Food Workshop (with Ms. Rhea Mitra-Dalal) which teaches food beyond the usual scope of recipe, ingredient and technique but looks at the interfaces between food and archaeology, anthropology, history, politics, media, ethics, writing, religion, mythology and philosophy.

"Britain's Greatest Gift: The Life & Work of Sir William 'Oriental' Jones" by Rangarathnam Gopu. Jan 3, 2026 @ 5:30 PM

In his Monthly Heritage Talk for Jan 2026 titled "Britain's Greatest Gift: The Life and Work of Sir William 'Oriental' Jones", award-winning heritage speaker Rangarathnam Gopu showcases the life and extraordinary accomplishments of Sir William “Oriental” Jones and his rich legacy. About the Speaker: Rangarathnam Gopu, was born and brought up in Madras. He followed up a BE in Computer Engineering with an MS in Computer Science from the Texas A&M University. He then worked in the US, as a software engineer, mostly at Microsoft in Seattle. On his return to India, his interests turned towards history and heritage, including the history of science and technology. He lectures on these and other topics at various fora. His articles on several topics have been published in national magazines like The Week, the New Indian Express and Swarajya. He has conducted heritage tours of Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Orissa, Ajanta, Ellora, Tanjavur, Badami, Hampi and the Madras Egmore Museum for several groups including schools and colleges. He was a cultural consultant for the Routes and Roots exhibition, as part of the 2023 G-20 summit. In 2016, Ramu Endowments, which conducted the South Indian Heritage Series lectures, bestowed on him, the Vedavalli Memorial Heritage Award for services to Culture. He is one of the co-founders of the Varahamihira Science Forum, which conducts monthly lectures and workshops on science for the public. He teaches courses on Indian Astronomy and Mathematics and on Inventions and Discoveries. He conducts courses on Indian Astronomy and Mathematics, and on Pallava Grantham script for the general public.

Pechu Kutcheri 2025 - Nayanmars and Aazhwars!

Dr Arun Menon. Restoration of Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Thukkachi. Dec 6, 2025

The conservation of the 11th c. CE Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple in Thukkachi, Tamil Nadu was recently selected for the 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for Heritage Conservation among 52 projects received from the Asia-Pacific Region by UNESCO, Bangkok. In his Talk, "Challenges in Structural Conservation of Temples: Restoration of Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Thukkachi", Dr Arun Menon of IIT Madras will take us through the experience of the team in the conservation of this temple that was in a dilapidated state for over six decades. He will also touch upon the ongoing unique conservation project involving the completion of a seven-tiered incomplete historical Rajagopuram at Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai near Samayapuram in Trichy District. These projects highlight the role of engineering and science in preserving the rich and living cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, December 6, 2025. About The Speaker: Arun Menon, Full Professor of Structural Engineering at IIT Madras, holds a first degree in architecture, and PhD in earthquake engineering from University of Pavia, Italy. His research interests are in structural aspects of historical constructions, earthquake behaviour of historical masonry structures and earthquake-resistant modern structural masonry. He currently coordinates the activities of National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures (NCSHS), a Ministry of Education (Govt. of India)-supported research centre at IIT Madras. He has been an Expert Member on the International Coordinating Committee (BICC) for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan, Myanmar, and currently is a Member, Expert Advisory Group to International Conservation Committee (ICC) for Vat Phou UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos PDR. He has been involved in conservation projects in India (Rashtrapati Bhawan, IIM Ahmedabad, Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Konark Sun Temple), Bhutan (Tango Monastery, Wangdue Phodrong Dzong), Myanmar (UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bagan), The Philippines (San Sebastian Basilica, Manila) and Somalia (The Secondo Lido, Mogadishu). Arun Menon is also active in national and international technical code committees such as Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM), Paris and ISCARSAH of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS, an advisory body of UNESCO).

Dr Oishi Roy. Understanding Early Iron Age: Zonal Differences in Indian Subcontinent. Nov 1, 2025

The Early Iron Age in the Indian subcontinent has been studied and categorised into six zones: North Western Frontier, Baluchistan, Ganga Valley, Eastern India, Malwa and Berar in Central India and Deccan Peninsular and Southern India. Each zone had its own unique features and developed independently. In her Talk, "Understanding the Early Iron Age: Zonal Differences Within the Indian Subcontinent" , Dr Oishi Roy of IISER, Mohali will trace the similarities and differences and reasons for this development with the aid of new excavations and dates that have come to light. She will also attempt to infer the socio-cultural construct of the society and draw inferences about the iron technology adopted. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, November, 1, 2025. About The Speaker: Oishi Roy is a Post – Doctoral Fellow at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali under the Palaeo – Arch Lab. Her current research revolves around indigenous smithy techniques and the smithy communities of Eastern India. Dr Roy did her masters at the Rashtrasant Tukdaoji Maharaja Nagpur University in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology and her Post-Graduate Diploma at Deccan College Pune. She did her PhD in Ancient Iron Technology of Early Iron Age from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Dr Roy worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Archaeological Sciences Centre at IIT Gandhinagar. Later, she served as Assistant Archaeologist at Bihar Heritage Development Society, Patna and was involved in the famous Telhara Excavation. Besides being an archaeo-metallurgist she have excavated multiple sites ranging from Lower Palaeolithic to Early Medieval. In 2019 she was awarded with the prestigious H.D Sankalia Young Archaeologist Award for her research paper on Evidence for Steel Making at Naikund and its Relationship with Mahurjhari, Borgaon and Khairwada. She has recently co-authored an excavation report, ‘Sri Prathamasivapura Mahavihara: Excavating an Early Medieval Buddhist Monastery at Telhara in Magadh (Eastern India).

Chola Murals of Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur: A New Perspective by PS Sriraman. Oct 4, 2025

In his talk, "Chola Murals of Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur: A New Perspective”, P S Sriraman will introduce the objectives, methodology and outcomes of ASI's photo documentation of the murals. He will then share newer interpretations of some of the panels, while answering questions like: "Are the murals decorative or a tool like the inscriptions of the temple recording contemporary events or simply Chitrasalas of images?” The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, October 4, 2025. About The Speaker: P. S. Sriraman’s association with the Archaeological Survey of India began in 1984 as a PG Diploma student. Subsequently, he joined ASI in a permanent capacity in 1987. He has conducted intensive fieldwork in the Kolar region for documenting its archaeological wealth besides other similar initiatives in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He has participated in excavations at Banahalli, Kolar district a proto-historic site, at Gingee, a medieval site, and at Keeladi and Kodumanal, early historic sites in Tamil Nadu. He has managed the museums at Lothal, Fort St George Museum, Chennai and Hampi, where he organised extensive re-organisation work. He had a brief stint in Agra where he was instrumental in displaying all excavated antiquities including the Jain images and Mughal artefacts in the Fatehpur Sikri museum. The Kalibangan museum was reorganised under his guidance. He has undertaken several conservation projects in the Forts of Chittorgarh, Kumbalgarh and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and many other monuments in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Sriraman was instrumental in the design and execution of the documentation of the Chola murals in the Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur and also the Kangara murals at Tira Sujanpur. He has authored two books: Chōl̲a Murals: Documentation and Study of the Chōl̲a Murals of Bṛihadīśvara Temple, Thanjavur, (2010), Murals of Tira Sujanpur (2013), published by Archaeological Survey of India.

Mumbai Through My Lens by Falak Chowdhary - THT-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award 2025 Lecture - Saturday, 13th Sept 2025 5.00pm

Falak Chowdhary is a history lecturer, researcher, and heritage walk leader from Mumbai whose work bridges academic study with public engagement.

Her academic interests include archaeology, Indo-Islamic and European architecture, numismatics, cultural tourism, and heritage management. She has contributed to research projects such as the First Indo-Polish Archaeological Field Survey and Documentation of the Ancient Port Site of Sopara in collaboration with the Indian Numismatic, Historical and Cultural Research Foundation and Warsaw University.

Beyond academia, she leads heritage walks in and around Mumbai, sharing the city’s layered history with students, locals, and history enthusiasts. She has curated experiences across sites such as Bhendi Bazaar, Chor Bazaar, Sufi Walk in Mumbai, Byculla, Kanheri Caves, and Mahim, and has also designed cultural trails for schools, universities, and international groups.

She is an active voice on social media, where she regularly shares insights on history and heritage to inspire broader conversations about cultural identity, memory, and preservation. Her initiatives extend to cultural events such as Noor-e-Iftar hosted on a cruise which reflects the heritage and cultural importance of Mumbai in medieval ages. 

Falak is also a collector of old coins and stamps, and she captures India’s art, architecture, and cultural essence through photography. When not teaching or exploring, she can be found immersed in historical non-fiction, deepening her understanding of the stories that shape our world.

Continuities in Maratha Architecture by Pushkar Sohoni. Saturday, Sep 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM

In his Talk, "From the Sultanates to the Mughals: Continuities in Maratha Architecture", Architect Pushkar Sohoni examines how the Marathas maintained the architectural traditions of the Deccan Sultanates during their rule. He explores the complex interplay of cultural and political identities within the region to demonstrate how political histories do not neatly map into architectural histories. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, September 6, 2025. About The Speaker: Pushkar Sohoni is a historian of architecture and material culture at IISER Pune, whose scholarship illuminates the rich interplay of art, society, and identity across South Asia - particularly the Deccan. With a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and a background in architecture, Sohoni deciphers how buildings, coins, scripts, and landscapes function as powerful, often under-explored historical texts.

Kenneth X Robbins and Sqdn Ldr (Retd) Rana Chhina. India Jewish Heritage Trail. Aug 2, 2025

 

In their talk "India Jewish Heritage Trails", Kenneth X. Robbins, MD and Squadron Leader Rana Chhina describe the scope of a proposed Jewish Heritage Trail of markers from Mumbai to Kolkata to Chennai and from Trivandrum to Amritsar. The first two markers are in Kerala palaces and they document the centuries old positive experiences of Jews in South Asia. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, August 2, 2025. 

About The Speakers: Kenneth X. Robbins, MD, has created a huge South Asian archive with everything from commemorative medals to documents. Among his other special interests are the states of maharajas and other local & regional Indian rulers and Africans in South Asia. He has published seventeen books including seven volumes on the history of Jews and curated exhibitions on Indian Jewish communities. He has authored 158 articles in various publications. He has co-curated an African Elites in India exhibition displayed at dozens of venues (ranging from the United Nations to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) across five continents. 

Squadron Leader Rana Chhina (retired) is a historian at the United Service Institution of India Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research.

Dr Shrinivas V. Padigar - Winner of the V Venkayya Epigraphy Award for 2025.

We are delighted to inform you that Dr Shrinivas V. Padigar, eminent Kannada epigrapher and historian, is the Winner of the V Venkayya Epigraphy Award for 2025.

The one-of-a-kind award was instituted by Smt. Sunitha Madhavan, great-granddaughter of Shri V Venkayya. The Award commemorates Rai Bahadur Shri V Venkayya, a pioneering Epigrapher who was the first Indian Chief Epigraphist to the Government of India.

The annual V Venkayya Epigraphy Award (VVE Award) aims to recognize exceptional individual contributions, in any Indian language, towards the discovery of unrecorded inscriptions, interpretation of inscriptions from a refreshingly new perspective, dissemination of wealth of knowledge contained in them by conventional as well as digital medium and preservation of Epigraphic resources for posterity.

The recipient was selected by a jury consisting of experts in epigraphy, history, archaeology, and heritage.

Dr Padigar will receive the Award on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at an Award function from the Chief Guest of the occasion, Dr T.S. Ravishankar, Director – Epigraphy (Retd), Archaeological Survey of India, Mysuru.  He will also deliver the Award Lecture on "Beyond the Texts: Insights from Early Chalukya Inscriptions”.

Do join us at 6.00 pm IST on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, for this event at Arkay Convention Centre, Mylapore, Chennai 600004.

About the Winner: 

Dr. Shrinivas V. Padigar is a distinguished historian, epigraphist, and archaeologist whose scholarship has profoundly shaped the understanding of India’s early historical and cultural narratives, especially the Kannada region.  Currently the Director (Academic and Research) at The Mythic Society, Bengaluru, he has had an illustrious academic career spanning over three decades, primarily at Karnatak University, Dharwad, where he rose to become Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy.

A gold medalist and Ph.D. from Karnatak University (1985), Dr. Padigar has held several prestigious fellowships, including the Infosys Foundation Karnataka Chair at BORI, Pune, a Senior Academic Fellowship from the ICHR, and a Charles Wallace Fellowship in the UK. He has also served as a visiting fellow at institutions like Deccan College and the University of Edinburgh.

His scholarly contributions are extensive and interdisciplinary, encompassing epigraphy, art history, archaeology, numismatics, and religious studies. He has reexamined, edited, and critically reinterpreted over 400 inscriptions, especially from the Early Chalukya period. The result was his magnum opus Inscriptions of the Calukyas of Badami (2010).

His research has shed new light on the Saiva and Vaishnava traditions, educational institutions, temple architecture, and sculptural iconography in the Deccan, often drawing on inscriptional and archaeological evidence.

Apart from Inscriptions of the Calukyas of Badami, his significant publications are Vishnu Cult in Karnataka (1996), alongside several works in Kannada such as "Puratattvashastra Parichaya"  and numerous edited volumes such as Pratnakirti and New Facets of Indian Art. His writings explore themes from narrative sculpture—like the Panchatantra and Jataka depictions—to socio-religious practices and artisanal histories.

He has supervised 13 doctoral theses, delivered invited lectures across India, and presided over national academic conferences. In recognition of his pioneering work, he has received the Rajarshi Dr. Veerendra Heggade Award (2023) and the Dr. B.R. Gopal Epigraphist’s Award (2016).

With a rare blend of methodological precision and visionary insight, Dr. Padigar remains a leading voice in the fields of Indian epigraphy and ancient cultural studies—an enduring influence and a most deserving winner of the V. Venkayya Epigraphy Award, 2025.

Inviting nominations for the THT-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award 2025

 

The Tamil Heritage Trust-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award (THT-SS Award) aims to recognize exceptional individual contributions towards the understanding, dissemination and preservation of Indian Heritage.

As a lover of Indian heritage, you will have come across someone who is doing great work in this area. He or she may be contributing in one or more of the following ways:

a. Preserving our heritage - through conservation, documentation etc.,
b. Disseminating knowledge and information about our heritage - through writing books, articles, blog posts, giving lectures, conducting heritage walks etc.
c. Deepening our understanding of our heritage through academic research, field work, etc.,

 

In 2020, Tamil Heritage Trust instituted the THT-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award to recognise the contributions of such "heritage heroes".

 

If you know someone who you believe should be considered for such a recognition, we invite you to nominate them for the Award.

How to nominate:

1. Any individual can nominate any other individual.
2. Individuals can also nominate themselves.
3. Nominee's age should be between 20 and 50 years as of Aug 25, 2025.
4. The individual must be a citizen of India and ordinarily resident in India.
5. Nominations must be submitted through this online form and should reach us before August 25th, 2025.
6. Nominations and accompanying details may be in English or Tamil only.

7. Nominations that were not considered for the Award in previous years can be sent again this year with up-to-date information.

 

The last date for receiving nominations is August 25th, 2025.

 

Please note that we will be including nominations that were received last year for consideration for this year’s award. If you have nominated someone the last year and would like to update your nomination please use the nomination form to submit any additional information. 

 

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

For any clarifications, please send a mail to  admin@tamilheritage.in or  ashwin.prabhu@gmail.com

Yamini Telkar. "Echoes of Ajanta: Tracing its Influence on Modern Art in India". July 5, 2025

The murals of Ajanta have echoed across generations of artists—from colonial-era documenters to art school students, through ASI-affiliated practitioners and all the way to modern painters. Their influence is visible not only in visual style and technique but also in the very conception of what constitutes Indian modern art. In her Talk “Echoes of Ajanta: Tracing its Influence on Modern Art in India", Art Specialist and Curator Yamini Telkar shares her perspectives why these magnificent murals hold such sway on the artistic imagination since their rediscovery in the nineteenth century. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, July 5, 2025. About the Speaker: Yamini Telkar is an Indian art specialist with over 30 years of experience in the art industry and academia. She curated the artworks for Terminal 2 of Bangalore International Airport and serves as a senior advisor there. Additionally, she has published a guidance document on integrating art in public spaces, consults for Zinnov's public space initiative, serves as the Director of Sameksha Art Gallery in Delhi, and is the cofounder of ArtKyk—an online platform aimed at making art accessible. Yamini has taught art history at prestigious institutions and delivered numerous talks on art throughout India. She holds an M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an M.A. in Ancient Culture from St. Xavier's College, and a BFA from Sir J.J. School of Art.

Indology Festival - Wanderes and Witnesses - Traveller's Tales of India, June 16-21, 2025

 

This year, #THTIndoFest2025 brings together leading scholars, authors, and experts to explore how India was perceived, experienced, and recorded by travellers from distant lands through the centuries.

 

With the theme of “Wanderers and Witnesses: Travellers' Tales of India”, #THTIndoFest2025 is being held from June 16th through 21st, 2025. There are 12 talks scheduled over six days.

 

From Megasthenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya to the medieval journeys of Marco Polo, from the religious quest of Xuanzang to the insightful writings of Al Biruni, from the shrewd political observations of Paes and Nuniz at Vijayanagar to the detailed travelogues of Tavernier and Bernier, the accounts of foreign travellers have long shaped our understanding of India’s past. These narratives—whether motivated by curiosity, conquest, trade, or spiritual pursuit—offer a unique and often vivid lens into the social, political, and cultural life of the subcontinent. And they remain invaluable to historians today.

 

Join us as we delve into the motivations and journeys of these intrepid visitors, the historical insights their writings reveal and the interpretive challenges and legacies of their narratives.

 

Whether you're a student of history, a traveller at heart, or simply curious about India’s place in the global imagination, #THTIndoFest2025 will offer fresh perspectives and engaging discussions.

 

There are two Online Talks every day starting at 5.30 pm. And they are free to watch. 
 
To receive your link for ALL the Talks, please register at: bit.ly/THT_Register
 
See you at #THTIndoFest2025!