Intach

INTACH is pleased to present the Gaja-Lok exhibition, organised in collaboration with and hosted by Bihar Museum, exploring the profound and enduring relationship between humans and elephants across India and Southeast Asia.

This exhibition brings together two complementary perspectives. The INTACH-curated Gaja-Lok panels take visitors on a journey from the earliest depictions of elephants in rock art and ancient civilizations to their presence in religion, literature, art, trade networks, and living traditions. Complementing this, a special display from the Bihar Museum collection showcases Bihar’s deep connections with elephants through its religious heritage, artistic traditions, folk culture, and historical objects. Together, these perspectives offer a deeper understanding of the elephant’s enduring place in both local and broader cultural landscapes.

As part of INTACH’s pan-India Project Gaja-Lok, the exhibition brings together cultural, historical, and ecological perspectives to encourage dialogue on heritage conservation, environmental stewardship, and the continuing importance of human-elephant coexistence.

📍 Bihar Museum

📅 20 June – 19 July 2026

*Chief Guest for Inauguration*

Dr. Pramod Kumar
Hon'ble Minister, Art & Culture - Co-Mines and Geology Department, Bihar

*Chair*

Mr. Anjani Kumar Singh
Director General, Bihar Museum

*Guests of Honour*

Shri Ashok Jairaj Singh
Chairman, INTACH

Shri Ravindra Singh, IAS (Retd.)
Member Secretary, INTACH

Ms. Nirupama Y. Modwel
Principal Director, INTACH

-Lok

To celebrate the International Day of Yoga, a session on, ‘Station by Station: Progressive Yoga for Body, Mind and Intuitive Intelligence’ by Prof. (Dr.) Alka Tyagi, concluded successfully with an engaging discussion and active participation from the audience.

Dr. Tyagi elucidated the progressive development of the human psycho-physical system through yogic practices, highlighting the role of asanas, pranayama, mantra chanting, awareness, and meditation in realizing human potential. The session offered valuable insights into the holistic philosophy and practice of Yoga. The lecture was attended by Shri Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman, INTACH.

Check the link in bio to revisit the entire lecture!

Strengthening Rivers, Preserving Heritage

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), through its Natural Heritage Division, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brahmaputra Board for the development of the Basistha Riverfront adjacent to the Brahmaputra Board campus in Guwahati, Assam.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Chairman, Brahmaputra Board, by Mr. Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director, Natural Heritage Division, INTACH, and Mr. Paragjit Sarma, Executive Engineer, Guwahati Division, Brahmaputra Board.

This collaboration marks an important step towards riverfront revitalization, ecological restoration, and the creation of a sustainable and culturally sensitive public space along the Basistha River. The initiative seeks to enhance the river's environmental health while fostering community engagement and strengthening the connection between people and their natural heritage.

Together, we move towards a future where rivers are celebrated not only as ecological lifelines but also as vital cultural landscapes.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Division, INTACH highlights the remarkable Aishwarya Ganapathi, also known as Avancha Ganapathi, a 12th-century idol carved during the reign of the Western Chalukyas in 1113 AD.

Located today in an agricultural field in Avancha village, this historic sculpture is believed to have been created when Thylapadu, son of Vikramaditya, governed the region of erstwhile Kandoor.

What makes it truly extraordinary is its craftsmanship, the entire idol is carved from a single rock, standing as a testament to the artistic skill and devotion of its time.

More than nine centuries later, it continues to connect us with a living legacy of faith, history, and craftsmanship.

Submitted by Putti Ramesh Chander.

The Musi River has shaped the landscapes, communities, and livelihoods of the region
for generations. From supporting agriculture and water resources to sustaining diverse
ecosystems, the river remains deeply connected to the well-being of both people and
nature across the basin.

Today, however, rapid urban growth, changing land-use patterns, and increasing
environmental pressures are placing this vital river system under growing stress.
Addressing these challenges requires looking beyond the river itself and understanding
the wider landscape that sustains it.

The Musi River Basin Conservation Plan, by the Natural Heritage Division of INTACH,
has been developed with this vision in mind. By identifying the key issues affecting the
basin and outlining pathways for sustainable management and restoration, the project
seeks to support a future where healthy ecosystems, secure water resources, and
resilient communities can flourish together.

This Conservation Plan provides a foundation for informed action, helping protect
natural features, strengthen environmental resilience, and promote balanced
development across the basin. 🌿💧

INTACH Knowledge Centre (IKC) continues to expand its collection through the generous donation of books by the family of Late Ms. Rosemary Eggleston and Late Mr. Jasbir Sachdev, both esteemed architects.

These contributions enrich our understanding of India’s architectural, historical, and cultural narratives, ensuring that valuable knowledge remains accessible to researchers, students, and heritage enthusiasts alike.

Because every book preserved is a conversation with the past and an investment in the future.

To access , please visit INTACH Knowledge Centre, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), 71, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi – 110003.