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Sunday, February 15, 2026
TopicMAP Academy

Topic: MAP Academy

Not everybody can learn from MF Husain. Art should be accessible: MAP founder Abhishek Poddar

The Heritage Dialogue series by the Aga Khan Trust brought together Abhishek Poddar and Wasim Ashour, two museum founders who showcase art in vastly different ways.

Punkahs, punkahwallahs, and White sahibs in Colonial India

Punkah' is a colonial-era anglicisation of the Hindustani term pankha, which referred to handheld fans. Punkah-pullers were made to work in deliberately uncomfortable conditions.

How feminism shaped Indian art

Mid-1900s' women artists were often exceptional presences in artist collectives with mostly male members - providing counterpoints to prevalent narratives.

The business of dreams — photographs from the studio of Suresh Punjabi

The story of Suresh Punjabi — his upbringing, influences and the portraits he produced at Suhag Studio in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, in the 1970s and 80s.

The protector Goddess of Buddhism—Marichi and her many symbols of strength, knowledge

Marichi is a symbol of rapid enlightenment, and continues to be deified in Tibet, China and Japan. But her importance has declined in India and Nepal.

Langda, Kesar to Alphonso—how mangoes shaped art, politics & culture in India

Babur, who pined for the melons, peaches, apricots and walnuts of Central Asia, came to admire the flavours of mango quite immediately. Akbar, Shah Jahan and Jahangir, too, remained steadfast in their commitment to maintaining orchards.

Carved stone dishes from Gandhara – make-up trays or ritual objects?

Their distinctive style, antiquity and presence in museum collections make them valuable objects of art in the contemporary world, but there has been speculation and debate regarding the original function of these stone dishes.

Yali—mythical sculptures guarding Hindu, Buddhist temples in India

Yalis were considered divine vehicles for deities, and were used to signify heroism and the elemental forces of nature, tamed in stone.

What traditional ‘Theyyam’ ritual means to Dalit community in Kerala

There are over 600 theyyam rituals today, performed primarily by Dalit communities by incorporating transgression from the established caste and social order.

Mughal and Rajput art, Western-style—Company paintings, the lovechild of India & British Raj

Company painting emerged out of a sustained interaction between Indian and European culture after the East India Company gained control over Bengal in 1757.

On Camera

How Nehru defended restrictions on freedom of speech and the press

On 29 May 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru defended adding 'reasonable restrictions' to Article 19, arguing that free speech must be balanced with national security and unity.

Andhra proposes Rs 100-cr wealth fund, eyes Norway-style sovereign fund model to drive growth

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a Rs 3.32 lakh crore budget for 2026–27 in the assembly Saturday.

Top US military commander applauds ‘India’s tactical execution’ during Op Sindoor; adds ‘there’s lessons too’

On bilateral ties, Admiral Paparo said India-US ties have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.