India Lost & Found

Welcome back to another episode of ILF Radio, where today we journey into the timeless world of the Ajanta Caves. More than artistic marvels, these rock-cut monuments are a window into the spiritual and cultural life of ancient India. Built between the 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE, Ajanta reflects the evolving traditions of Buddhism, beginning with the simple, austere Hinayana phase and late...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today, we’re journeying into the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the rugged Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. Carved into a horseshoe-shaped gorge along the Waghora River, these rock-cut caves, dating back over two millennia, are a sanctuary of art, devotion, and storytelling. Within their stone-carved facades lie timeless murals, intricate sculptures,...

Welcome to a brand new episode of ILF Radio! Today, we’re stepping into Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra. Situated at the southern tip of Malabar Hill, surrounded by the Arabian Sea and enveloped in dense greenery, this 160-year-old estate is as much a place of reflection as it is of governance. Beyond its ornate banquet halls and ceremonial rooms lies a sp...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Every once in a while, at ILF, we would like to turn our attention from the famed monumental, religious and political legacies to the common citizen’s vernacular heritage. Today we visit the singular, stunning streets of Sidhpur in Gujarat lined with the Vohrawads of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The architecture of these mansions is a truly masterful blend of various Eur...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In today’s episode,we set sail to “the gateway of South India”, to the shores of Madras, presently known as Chennai, where in 1639, a small strip of land on the Coromandel coast was given to the British East India company to set up a warehouse fortraded goods. On this unremarkable strip of land was eventually established Fort St. George – the seat of British colonial pow...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we explore the many mysteries of Akbar’s forgotten city – Fatehpur Sikri! Fatehpur Sikri, despite being pristinely preserved poses a great puzzle to historians. There is much speculation and fantasy churned out of this city that survived only 10 years as the capital of one of the grandest empires of the sub-continent. While at first sight its architecture...

Welcome back to Part 2 of our special Independence Day episode at ILF Radio! Today we continue to trace the course of the Revolt of 1857. Yesterday, we had seen how the flames were ignited at Barrackpore to relay a revolution cry across the northern and central parts of the subcontinent. The Siege of Delhi was a crucial leg politically, but in terms of tragedy, military strategy and bravery, the e...

Welcome to our special Independence Day episode at ILF Radio! Today, in the spirit of commemorating our 77th year of independence, we journey back to the landmark Revolt of 1857, back to the first seeds of revolution that eventually propagated our fight for freedom. In this two-part episode, we bring to you a detailed account of the status of India under company rule, the facts and rumours that sp...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In this episode we walk down the historical streets of Mandawa from the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every stone has a story, and every story is a journey through time! Mandawa reveals itself as a tapestry of history, culture, and architectural splendor. This quaint town, established in the mid-18th century, was once a bustling trading outpost renowned for its gr...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we visit the Nahargarh fort in Jaipur, built in 1734 by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II when he established this new capital of the Rajput Kingdom. Built on the ridge of the Aravalli hills looking upon the walled city of Jaipur, The Nahargarh fort was initially built as a place of retreat connecting Jaipur to the old capital of Amber. Symbolically enough, today Nahargar...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Join us as we journey to the great Mughal city of Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj. Today we explore a darker side of history buried within the burial complex at the paradisical garden of Khusrau Bagh. The mighty Mughal empire enjoyed a grand time marked with tales of heroism, splendour and romance, notwithstanding a fair share of controversy and drama! Like many other...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we will be traveling back to the proto historic period, to the Harappan civilization, within the region of Kutch, where we find a small archaeological expedition that aims to unearth secrets at Kotada Bhadli. A small but significant excavation that may have foretold Gujarat's legacy as the "Dairy Capital" of India. Today we have the privilege of heari...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! Today we take you to the very heart of the garden city of Bengaluru, through its greenest haven in the midst of this bustling silicon capital - Cubbon Park. We are joined by the delightful Dr. Meera Iyer as she takes us through a leisurely stroll through this 300 acre lung space. She is the convener of the Bengaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultur...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! After a brief hiatus we are excited to bring to you a truly monumental piece of history from the Deccan! In this episode, we dive into the long lost legacy of the Vijaynagar empire, unearthed from the ruins of its illustrious capital, Hampi - one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the medieval world. Join us as we piece together a tremendous recollection of the...

Welcome to ILF Radio! In our latest episode, we embark on an enthralling journey through the hidden treasures of Agra, beyond the iconic Taj Mahal. Agra offers a rich tapestry of history and architectural marvels, but it is a city at crossroads between the old and the new. Join us as we uncover the lesser-known gems and untold stories of this historic city with our insightful guide, Shantanu Jadau...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during our brief hiatus. In our latest episode, we embark on an illuminating journey through the ancient streets of Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Join us as we unravel the layers of history and tradition woven into the fabric of this timeless city. From the sacred waters of the Ganges to the Lal Khan's To...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In our latest episode, we embark on an enlightening journey into the world of temple architecture with renowned photographer, curator, and the founder of India Lost and Found, Amit Pasricha (@panoramist). Join us as we explore the fascinating exhibition titled "Sthapatya: Antifragile Algorithm," showcased at the Indian Art, Architecture and Design Biennale 2023...

Welcome to episode 12 of ILF Radio! In our latest episode, we shift our focus to the vibrant streets of Old Delhi to explore the majestic Shri Digamber Jain Naya Mandir. Constructed in 1807 CE by Raja Harsukh Rai, an imperial treasurer in the Mughal court, this ornate Jain temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city. Join our guest, Abhishek Jain, a passionate advocate f...

Welcome to episode 11 of ILF Radio! In our latest episode, we embark on an enthralling journey to uncover the ancient wonders of the Danteshwari Temple. Located in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, this 600-year-old wooden marvel is steeped in history and revered as one of the most important spiritual centers in the region. Join our guest, B. Bindu (@bindublossoms), a compassionate Vastaria daughter and herit...

In today's episode, we embark on an enthralling journey to uncover the ancient wonders of Mahabalipuram. Founded by the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries, Mahabalipuram is a treasure trove of rock-cut sanctuaries along the Coromandel coast. Join our guest, Kamini Dandapani (@carnaticmom), a distinguished artist, musician, and historian, as she guides us through the mesmerizing history...

Welcome back to ILF Radio! In our latest episode, join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich history and enigmatic allure of the Kailasnath Temple, with Anirudh Kanisetti (@AKanisetti). Situated near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to India's rich heritage. Explore the intricacies of this UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled within the st...

Today we’ll take a dip in the holy waters of Prayagraj. This is city of triveni sangam, the meeting of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and the historic location for Kumb mela. As the Mughals moved to Prayagraj and enchanted the city with their splendid architecture, we see constructions like Khusro Bagh. We’re in today’s episode investigating its social, political and architectural backgro...

This week we are visiting the Bara Imambara in Lucknow, said to be the most magnificent among the imambaras of the world! Exploring the pre and post-independence Lucknow, we’ll try and understand its rise as an imperial capital amidst the fall of Mughal empire and the upswing of local powers. One of these local Nawab was Asaf-ud-daula known for his generosity & public service. Dredging through...

This week we are visiting the sanctum of the Thanjavur temples. Revolving around the paintings, music, dance and drama traditions of the Cholas, we look into the history through literary as well as oral sources. Built with the mechanism to last for thousands of years, the evolution of the Thanjavur temples from small brick constructions to massive stone structures is an engineering marvel for all(...

For this episode we will camp right at the heart of Vasai and travel to a city from the 16th century. Located very close to the financial capital of Mumbai, The Vasai Fort (or The Fort of Vasai) with its rich history has been home to a dynamic group of population and its architecture carries within itself the stories of many centuries.  Ranging from the Portuguese advent and their growing pro...