Friends of South Asia
Monthly Archive: December Frie
Kalighat Paintings: Murder in the Collection
A notorious murder case is one of the subjects of the ROM’s collection of mid-nineteenth century Kalighat paintings, an urban folk art style that developed around a popular Kali temple in Kolkata, India. Written by Piali Roy.
The Natural World in South Asian Painting
In Indian painting, nature is a space of possibilities—where spiritual retreats, leisure activities, romantic encounters, and tests of skill take place. Written by Deepali Dewan.
New to ROM: Tiger Claw Necklace
On the one hand, it is an example of delicate Victorian jewelry. On the other, it is a reminder of a past when the conservation of wildlife species was far from the minds of people. Written by Deepali Dewan.
Weapon Wednesday: Pesh Kabz
Pesh Kabz, means ‘fore grip’ in Persian, a language from Iran where this style of dagger finds its origins. Written by Aruna Panday
Arti Chandaria (1960-2015)
Arti Chandaria, long-time ROM friend, volunteer, and supporter passed away on Friday January 23, 2015. She lived each day with vigor and enthusiasm, never letting cancer impede her from a life of discovery. As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, she inspired with her passion, determination and boundless curiosity. Arti taught us that life is measured not by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Written by Deepali Dewan
Pacifist Males & Warrior Females
About a hundred year ago, mass produced colour lithographs proliferated across the South Asian subcontinent creating new imaginary communities through a shared visual imagery. In this new kind of visual culture, hero images seemed to flip traditional gender roles by being dominated by warrior females and pacifist males. Written by Deepali Dewan
Weapon Wednesday: Bagh Nakh--making humans into tigers
The blades, like the tiger claws they are named for, are made to slash though an opponent and, in modern history, is most often associated with the Hindu Marati warrior Shivaji. Written by Aruna Panday
Weapon Wednesday: Chakram from India
Written by Aruna Panday, Ph.D Candidate in the Department of Anthropology at York University, Friends of South Asia co-Chair, and Summer 2014 ROM curatorial intern.
Chakram or battle-quoit, made of wrought steel, India, 19th century, ROM 910.42.52
