Framing the story
Explore ‘Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India’ exhibition featuring masters like Murray, Burke and Rai, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Photography has a way of preserving moments, not just in images but in emotions, in stories and in history. Stepping into the Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India exhibition, curated by Neville Tuli, feels like embarking on a personal journey through time. Hosted by the Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (T.R.I.S.), the collection showcases photographs that capture the essence of India, spanning over a century.
This third installment of the series presents a stunning collection of photographs that bring together India’s rich cultural heritage, its landscapes, and the people who have shaped its story. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience not only the visual beauty of India but the depth of its historical and emotional connections. The collection highlights some of the earliest photographs from the mid-1800s, including Dr. John Murray’s Bishessur Nath Temple, Benares (1858). The albumen print, preserved in its pristine form, speaks to the timeless spirituality of Varanasi. Similarly, Colin Roderick Murray’s Jagmandar Water-Palace at Udaypur (1873) captures the reflective beauty of Rajasthan, where the delicate interplay of water and architecture tells its own story.
As one moves through the exhibition, it becomes evident how photography has documented India’s evolution. Early works by pioneers like Linnaeus Tripe and Samuel Bourne provide a visual history of India’s landscape and architecture. Their photographs are windows into a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time that is both familiar and distant.
The collection doesn’t just stop at capturing landscapes or monuments, it explores the lives of people, the complex relationships between humans, animals and nature and the political shifts that have shaped the country. Works by contemporary masters like Raghu Rai and Jyoti Bhatt add a modern perspective, demonstrating how photography has continued to evolve as an art form while remaining true to its roots as a medium for storytelling. The exhibition’s focus on India’s cinematic and political history further enhances its significance. Photographs from the sets of iconic films, as well as snapshots from key political moments, provide an intimate look into the country’s cultural and social landscape. These images not only reflect history but also shape the way we remember it.
With access to an extensive digital archive containing over 22,000 photographs, the exhibition offers a deeper dive into India’s history, allowing visitors to explore beyond the gallery walls. This combination of physical and digital resources provides a comprehensive view of India’s rich visual heritage.
The Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India Part III exhibition is a reflection of India itself. It is an invitation to reconnect with the nation’s history, to see it through the eyes of those who have captured its most defining moments. For anyone interested in understanding the soul of India, this exhibition is a rare and valuable opportunity to experience the country’s past, present and future through the lens of some of the greatest photographers.
