Chronological Mapping of Indian History
Understanding history through a chronological framework is fundamental to comprehending the evolution of cultures, political systems, and artistic traditions. This project focuses on developing accurate and comprehensive chronological timelines of Indian history, ranging from broad national narratives to region-specific and theme-based studies.
Students will work on creating a general timeline of Indian history as well as more focused timelines such as the Timeline of Maharashtra, Timeline of Ancient Indian Art and Architecture, and period-specific timelines covering phases like Prehistoric, Mauryan, Satavahana, or Maratha history. The project involves extensive research to identify accurate dates, dynasties, events, and cultural milestones, supported by reliable academic sources and site-specific examples.
Through this exercise, students will gain a deeper understanding of India’s historical chronology while learning to analyse, verify, and visually represent historical data. The project also introduces timelines as interpretive tools that help connect political, cultural, and artistic developments across time.
Documentation of Old Talims in Pune
Sambhasha Foundation has initiated a project to document the historic Talims of Pune, many of which trace their origins to the Peshwa period. These Talims are not merely wrestling schools, but important cultural institutions that fostered physical discipline, moral values, community leadership, and collective identity.
Historically, Talims played a significant role in shaping Maharashtra’s social and political consciousness. Beyond training in traditional sports and martial practices, they functioned as spaces of social interaction, mentorship, and public engagement.
Today, rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, and declining patronage have placed many traditional Talims at risk of transformation or disappearance. Through this project, Sambhasha Foundation aims to systematically document their histories, architectural spaces, oral narratives, practices, and contemporary relevance, contributing to the preservation of this important yet understudied aspect of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
Documentation of Art Deco Buildings in Ravivar Peth, Pune
Sambhasha Foundation is undertaking a research and documentation project on the Art Deco architecture of Raviwar Peth. The project explores the historical development and local adaptation of the Art Deco style, tracing its global emergence and examining how it evolved within Pune’s urban and cultural landscape.
The study focuses on documenting Art Deco buildings in Raviwar Peth through architectural observation, photography, and contextual research. Key features such as geometric forms, streamlined facades, decorative motifs, balconies, and material usage are being carefully recorded to understand the distinctive visual language of these structures.
Particular attention is given to the blending of international Art Deco influences with Indian traditional motifs, regional symbolism, and locally available materials, resulting in a unique architectural expression characteristic of Pune. The project also examines the coexistence of earlier wada architecture alongside later Art Deco buildings, highlighting the layered and evolving urban fabric of the area.
Through systematic documentation and research, the project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Raviwar Peth as an important site representing Pune’s transition into architectural modernity while preserving its cultural continuity.
Documenting the Sugandhis (Attar Makers) of Pune
Sambhasha Foundation is conducting a research and documentation project on the Sugandhi community of Pune, the traditional artisans associated with the craft of attar (natural perfume) making. For generations, these families have preserved the intricate art of distilling and blending fragrances using natural ingredients such as sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and vetiver.
The project explores the cultural, historical, and sensory dimensions of attar-making in Pune, tracing its connections with temple rituals, ceremonial practices, everyday life, festivals, and contemporary markets. Through interviews, field documentation, photography, and documentation of traditional tools and processes, the project seeks to record the craftsmanship, oral histories, trade practices, and lived experiences of the Sugandhi community.
By preserving these narratives and practices, the project aims to highlight an important form of intangible cultural heritage that reflects Pune’s artisanal traditions, collective memory, and evolving urban identity.
Role, identity, and status of Madia women in Gadchiroli district with special focus on marriage and religious customs: A comparative study
The crux of this research is to trace the role and status of Madia women over changing times with special focus on marriage rituals and religious customs. The importance in analysing their belief systems, the women’s role in religion and to understand their life ways is at an urgent juncture. As they stand at this point in time – well into industrial and technological development – they are losing their heritage steadily and being assimilated into the larger fold of mainstream religions. This is a comparative study as the intention is to trace the changes that the religious customs have undergone for Madia women from 1930’s till the present, this will help us – broadly speaking – advance our understanding of religion as followed by the Madias in 2 ways – 1. What are the differences in religious philosophy between the Madia philosophy and Hinduism? and 2. What are the differences in the customs pertaining to women within the Madia community over time – which customs have stood the test of time and which are not popular or disallowed for various reasons.
Oral History Documentation
The Sambhasha Foundation has initiated an Oral History Documentation Project aimed at preserving the narratives of prominent personalities in Pune aged 75 and above. This endeavor seeks to capture the recent past through firsthand accounts, ensuring that invaluable experiences and insights are not lost to time.
The project commenced with interviews of renowned psychologist Dr. M. N. Palsane, focusing on his personal and professional journey. In addition to recording his oral narratives, the foundation is digitizing his handwritten materials to ensure comprehensive preservation of his contributions.
The project also includes the documentation of the renowned vocalist from the Gwalior Gharana, Late Shri Narayanrao Bodas, focusing on his personal and professional journey. His handwritten material was acquired and digitised to ensure the preservation of his personal experiences, along with some photographs and handwritten letters. This initiative seeks to capture valuable insights from esteemed individuals, enriching the cultural and historical tapestry for future generations.
Data collection, sorting and documentation of the old Modi documents
The collection included manuscripts, letters, legal records, personal notes and others. These documents were packed in multiple bags, and had suffered the effects of environmental exposure, including dust accumulation, physical wear, degradation and biological infestation. The primary focus of this project was to stabilise and protect the available collection from further deterioration, while also improving their accessibility and retrieval through systematic organisation and documentation. By the completion of the project, collection was thoroughly cleaned, categorised, and documented.
Ethnoarchaeological Survey of Traditional Communities in Pune
Pune, often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Maharashtra,” is home to diverse traditional communities who have preserved their ancestral professions. These professions, ranging from pottery and metalwork to weaving and making jewelleries, shows the rich cultural heritage of the region. However, with rapid urbanization and modernization, many of these traditions area at risk of fading away. The purpose of this project is to conduct an ethnoarchaeological survey of 10 traditional communities in Pune. The aim is to document their cultural practices, tools, techniques, and the historical significance of their professions. This study will help in understanding how these professions have evolved over time and the challenges faced by these communities today.
PATKATHA : Textile Heritage Exhibition
In the exhibition ‘Patkatha’, we explore the threads of connections through stories woven into fabric. These personal, yet social, narratives will allow us to reveal the rich tapestry of cultural traditions that beautifully bind us and further emerge as the culture of the community. Going thread by thread, we will also observe keenly the various facets of the culture, their meanings, symbolism, and purpose. Some of these artefacts may look familiar, but the idea is to understand their unfamiliar narratives and weave them seamlessly into our daily experiences.
Each piece in this exhibition also tells a tale of the artisans who created this unmatched artistry. It is also the tale of those who have developed, appreciated, and passionately promoted the sustainable traditional techniques that make these fabrics a true work of art.
