A pioneering program in Deccani Studies
Carved mandapa ceilings in the Keshava Temple, Somanathapura. Photographs by Surendra Kumar
The March newsletter from the Deccan Heritage Foundation brings you updates on the launch of a new academic program on Deccan history and culture, our restoration projects, and an insightful video exploring costumes used in ancient ritual dance traditions.
A pioneering program in Deccani Studies
The DHF, in collaboration with Ashoka University, Kakatiya Trust, and Mysore University, is proud to announce launch of a new Deccan Studies Program—a four-week academic internship offering undergraduate students an immersive experience in the region’s history, architecture, and cultural legacy through site visits, expert lectures, and hands-on restoration. A unique aspect of this program is that students will be exposed to real-world conservation challenges, preparing them to bridge the gap between heritage preservation and economic sustainability.
Initial work restoring the Nagakunda Stepwell
The clearing of light vegetation from the Nagakunda Stepwell, Sudi
Restoration is in full swing at our newest project in Sudi—the Nagakunda Stepwell. The team has cleared vegetation and debris and begun desilting the well shaft by creating a trial trench that has revealed water at a depth of 2 feet below the surface.
The Nagakunda Stepwell has also been featured in Architectural Digest India, bringing attention to its 1000-year-old history. The response to the story has been extraordinary. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t miss out!
This project is supported by Mrs. Rajashree Pinnamaneni, in memory of Dr. Subba Rao Devineni.
A closer look at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion
Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Mysuru
Restoration at the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion in Mysuru continues, focusing on structural repairs and artefact conservation for the Folklore Museum. Recent work also includes consolidation in the West Block and plastering in the North and East Blocks.
During our conservation assessment, we uncovered layers of old paint and signs of deterioration in the ornamental stucco work on the north block pediment above the mansion’s main entrance. The restoration team is now preparing to carefully revive this intricate depiction of Goddess Gajalakshmi, flanked by elephants—a symbol of prosperity and abundance in Hindu iconography.
Detail of stucco work of Goddess Gajalakshmi at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Mysuru
As restoration progresses on the East and West Blocks of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, the team has dismantled the first of three wooden chariots to protect it from construction dust and debris. The other two will follow soon. Once restored, the chariots will be placed in specially designed pavilions within the complex, as they are too large to be housed indoors.
Dismantling a wooden chariot at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Mysuru
The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion project is supported by the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) and the US Consulate General in Chennai, through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
A lively evening at the Gagan Mahal
A performance at an event for Pampa, celebrating Karnataka’s remarkable textile heritage
Restored by the Deccan Heritage Foundation with support from the Karnataka government and a number of private donors, Gagan Mahal in Anegundi now serves as a vibrant space for the local community. Earlier this month, it hosted Pampa – Textiles of Karnataka, an exhibition curated by Lavina Baldota with Mayank Mansingh Kaul as a special advisor. Showcasing 108 examples from across the state, the exhibition explored Karnataka’s rich textile heritage.
Deccan Heritage Foundation x Museum of Art & Photography
Dr. Shobha Talengala from the Folklore Museum team at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, introduces two magnificent bronze breastplates in this video by the Museum of Art & Photography, Bengaluru—one from Karnataka representing Jumadi, an androgynous deity, and another from Kerala, a Theyyam plate associated with Bhagavathi, a revered mother goddess.
Through collaborations like this and engaging video content, we hope to inspire a deeper connection with local traditions while shaping the museum into a vibrant community space.
We look forward to bringing you more updates on our restoration projects to help you explore the rich heritage of the Deccan. To support the DHF’s various restoration and conservation efforts, consider making a donation by clicking the button below.