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 space alive with memories, layered histories, and quiet corners that still hold the rhythm of ritual and routine.

Joining us is Mr. Umesh Kashikar, Public Relations Officer at Raj Bhavan for over 26 years. A passionate historian and former Research Officer in the Governor's Secretariat, Mr. Kashikar has guided countless visitors through this estate, offering insights not only into its architecture and legacy but also the lived-in nuances that never make it to official records.

In this episode, we talk about everything from the transformation of the British-era bunker into a museum of revolutionaries, to the understated presence of the Sri Gundi Devi temple and the challenges of balancing modern infrastructure with heritage preservation. With Mr. Kashikar as our guide, we experience Raj Bhavan not just as a political address, but as a living archive – one that blends protocol with pause, and history with heartbeat.

Explore visuals from today’s episode:

Raj Bhavan aerial view: https://us.images.westend61.de/0001985783pw/aerial-view-of-rajbhavan-back-bay-malabar-point-mumbai-india-AAEF30827.jpg

Official site: https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in

Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more stories from India’s layered past. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore more such journeys.

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 European styles adapted to the traditional Bohra lifestyle through the hands of Gujarati craftsmen. A style which in every way is the best of everything West of the subcontinent, which makes Sidhpur a place beyond belief!ILF is delighted to have architect Zoyab Alihussain Kadi, here to deliver us the story from the horse’s mouth. Born a Dawoodi Bohra, trained as an architect who also turned academician, he has been instrumental in documenting the neighbourhoods of Sidhpur and has written three books dedicated to the cause of the conservation of these vohrawads. His prolific writing and talks continue to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage. He has also received a UNESCO Sahapedia fellowship to document the cultural and architectural heritage of Sidhpur. Along with three other concerned architects, he has set up the “SIDHPUR HERITAGE COLLECTIVE”; an initiative with an ambitious and diverse agenda to stir interest in the region’s fading heritage.Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:

- Sidhpur from the lens of ILF founder Amit Pasricha: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwZkPq7v9Ae/?igsh=bmxrcHBxcmRocXdyhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwabLUjvUqI/?igsh=bTF0ZXh5NG1oNWVrhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CwaE2QjPeAi/?igsh=cWJ4MjVwNWNpZWNi- From the Sidhpur Heritage Collective: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKSKqSfFz/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PKsN8SLpR/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQIs2Sptt/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gQTZ4yy8o/https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2q2pryw50/?img_index=1- Information of the Sidhpur Heritage collective’s upcoming heritage walkhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DAnzVOhSzTe/?img_index=1

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 for traded goods. On this unremarkable strip of land was eventually established Fort St. George – the seat of British colonial power in South India!

The establishment of Fort St. George was the cornerstone that laid the foundation for the city of Madras which grew into one of India’s very first metropolitan cities. The story of its development from an obscure fishing hamlet into the first British Presidency in India is quite puzzling yet most remarkable. We’re most delighted to have with us Ashmitha Athreya, operations head and lead story teller at Madras Inherited to walk us through this opening chapter of the history of Madras!

Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode:

- Plan of Fort St. George: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/FortStGeorgePophamColonyJohnHuntMap.gif

- Artistic representations of the early fort on the Coromandel Coast: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/South_East_View_of_Fort_St_George%2C_Madras_-_British_Library_P942.jpg

-Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly building

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Fort_St._George%2C_Chennai_2.jpg

- Clive House

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Clive_House.jpg

- St Mary’s Church

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/St._Mary%27s_Church%2C_Chennai_%281%29.jpg

- View of the fort from the beach showing St. Mary’s steeple (date unknown)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_St._George.jpg Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

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 events at Cawnpur, Lucknow and Jhansi were on a league of their own. Akash Chattopadhyaya continues taking us through this gripping chapter in our history, how it ended and how the events of the aftermath laid the foundation for a future united and independent India! Translation from Urdu of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s couplet mentioned at 35:08: kitnā hai bad-nasīb 'zafar' dafn ke liye do gaz zamīn bhī na milī kū-e-yār meñ

How ill-fated is ‘Zafar’ (the poet), even in burial denied, A mere two yards of earth in his beloved’s haven. Glossary: Do gaz zameen – Two yards of earth. Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Map of the Revolt: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Indian_Rebellion_of_1857.jpg - Kanpur Memorial Church https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanpur_Memorial_Church.jpg - Sati Chaura Ghat or the Massacre Ghat, Kanpur https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Massacre_Ghat_or_Sati_Chaura_Ghat%2C_Kanpur_in_the_1880s_%281%29.JPGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Khooni_darwaza.jpg - Memorial well at Bibighar https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Memorial_Well_at_the_Bibi-Ghar_-_The_Indian_Mutiny_1857-1859_Q80542.jpg - Jhansi fort around 1857 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1857_jhansi_fort2.jpg - Gwalior fort https://www.instagram.com/p/CybMdQGSlhE/?next=%2Fenvywoo%2Ffeed%2F&hl=fr - Last days of Bahadur Shah Zafar https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bahadur_Shah_Zafar.jpg Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

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 sparked one of the most significant resistance movements in South Asian history. We are delighted to welcome back passionate historian and friend of the Podcast, Akash Chattopadhyaya, who takes us through a very thorough and nuanced exploration of events from Barrackpore to Delhi. In the first part of the episode we touch upon the status quo in the subcontinent around 1857 and are introduced to the Sepoys of the Bengal Presidency who spearheaded the revolt, its beginnings at Barrackpore and the events during the Siege of Delhi. Do tune in with us tomorrow, the 16th of August 2024 to catch Part-2 and the conclusion of the revolt. Links to key heritage sites from today’s episode: - Map of the Revolt: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Indian_Rebellion_of_1857.jpg - North 24 Parganas district in Barrackpore, West Bengal where the Revolt started. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:36_Middle_Road_-_Barrackpore_Cantonment_-_North_24_Parganas_2012-10-21_1028.JPG - Kashmir Gate C.1857 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1857_cashmeri_gate_delhi.jpg - Kashmir Gate today https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kashmiri_Gate%28_front_view%29.JPG - Skinner Church, Delhi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._James%27_Church,_Delhi#/media/File:St._James_Church_9.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Massacre_of_officers_by_insurgent_cavalry_at_Delhi,.jpg - Kabuli Gate or Khooni darwaza https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Khooni_darwaza.jpg - Delhi before the Seige https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Delhi_1857.jpg Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

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 grand havelis, each adorned with intricate frescoes that narrate tales of a bygone era. We are happy to hear these stories from Mandawa narrated to us by Thakur Durga Singh, who hails from the aristocratic family of Mandawa. He has converted his family home in Mandawa into a heritage hotel called Dera Mandawa and plays a prominent role in the tourism of the region. For our non-Marwari/ Hindi listeners: Glossary: Chowk (ek, do, teen) - Open court/ courtyard (one, two, three) Karigar - Artist/ Artisan Bhootha – Haunted Lota : Round water pot, usually made from brass for ablution/ sanitary use Angrez - Britisher, Englishmen Saab & Memsaab - Sir and Ma’am Gulaal - Coloured powders used for some Hindu rituals like Holi Rishtedaar - Relatives Translation for Marwari/ Hindi dialogues: 13:56 – “He’s just an ordinary rohida flower, he’s said to have no grey matter and is just handsome.” 15:46 – You had permission to be the walking buddy of Thakur Sahab or the billionaire Seth Sahab (Sahab meaning Sir) without any hesitation. You would greet them with a namaste, exchange pleasantries, and walk along with them. Groups of women, wealthy women, Brahmins, and people of other castes went into the sunset. 16:31 – “ Setha (a wealthy merchant) who is that?” “He is my friend! (walking buddy)” 17:12 – because old havelis and forts did not have any particular space left where you could fit in a toilet. 17:27 – “So, this is the story behind the Bhailas” 17:50 – Those of us who live in the desert become so happy when it rains, we say “let’s go have a picnic!” 18:01 – They employ the service of a chef. And they refer to the confectioners as “artists”. 18:13: How much ghee (clarified butter) should be used in the preparation of Churma (a popular Rajasthani dish). 18:16 – Brother, some people want to spend, some people want to save so how to ask the Seth openly how much ghee to add? 18:45 – If you add a small amount of ghee the churma is sad (crying), if you add a generous amount, the churma is happy (laughing). Essentially to clarify how rich to make the preparation. 19:18 – Brother it will be laughing only, why cry? Make it laugh, but be judicious with the amount of ghee. “And they say why does the god have tears in his eyes, only when the ox eats hay?” So when should you add clarified butter?” – (A Marwari regional expression) 20:25 – In every Marwari family there was an unwritten rule. A rule that had been conducted for century after century after century! 20:39 – They indulge in leisure and ease after their hard work. 21:51 – (taken over by) either the family astrologer or accountant… 27:26 – Today, in this climate, how much area will I be able to cover and I will prepare only that amount of wet surface. 27:58 – It’s written below - the flying ship (Literal translation) 28:22 – Small children, even right from the age of seven or eight would start learning how to create frescoes from experts 36:06 – Nowadays nobody sings folk songs anymore. And why does nobody sing anymore? Earlier the whole village used to bustle with the sounds of folklore at a stretch of 15 days. Now they go to school and there has been a cultural erosion where girls that go to school now consider singing folk songs on Gangaur festival as backwards. 40:06 – “What kind of a bride is she? I raised you with love and care, and look at what has become of you! Yet you don't feel like crying when you leave.” 44:54 - They were relatives, they were in-laws. (The Hindi word "samdhi" refers to the relationship between the parents of a married couple) For visual references and further information on Madawa: 1. Official website of Dera Mandawa: https://www.deramandawa.com/ 2. ⁠Instagram videos of Durga Singh Ji : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8CkXphPV7Q/?igsh=bGR6ZDZkazRzdDJz 3. ⁠Painted walls of Shekhawati by Shri Aman Nath and Francis 4. ⁠The painted towns of Shekhawati by Ilay Cooper 5. ⁠Shekhawati : Havelis of merchant princes Edited by Abha Narain lambah Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come. You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.

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 Nahargarh still creates a link between the old and the new, where the modern inhabitants of Jaipur continue to enjoy strong ties with their heritage.
We explore this relationship between this impressive fortress and its people, past and present with Dr. Chandni Chowdhary. She is a passionate conservation architect with a PhD in Heritage based development strategies and is also the co-founder of Jaipur Uncharted, an organization that aims to promote the preservation and appreciation of Jaipur. As a proud Jaipurite, her experience with the famed city is one that's not just scholarly but a deeply personal one.
Follow India Lost and Found on Instagram @indialostandfound, X (formerly Twitter) @IndiaLostFound, and Facebook @IndiaLostFound for more captivating stories of heritage sites. Let's ensure that the essence of our civilizational history is preserved for generations to come.
You can also visit our website at https://www.indialostandfound.com/ to explore additional content and join our mission to uncover India's lost treasures.