Novelle J. John – Oak Lores

Novelle J. John

Currently pursuing a master's in history, my interests lie mainly in the field of archival studies and the nuances of forgotten or silent narratives within research. I am also particularly fascinated by the intersection of social history, memory, and material culture, exploring how ordinary individuals shaped and were shaped by historical events.

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Kathputli: Strings of Tradition and Art

Introduction The term kathputli comes from two words- katha meaning story, and putli meaning doll or puppet; while the origins of the first kathputli are said to have been in…

Shahpur Jat: The Beginning of Delhi’s Art Scene

Introduction Shahpur Jat, an urban village located near the ruins of the Siri Fort, first gained renown for its bohemian stores which offer the quirkiest and most fashionable items for…

Ivory Carving: A dying craft

Ivory, which is sourced mainly from elephant tusks (also walruses, rhinos, narwhales etc.) remains one of the most valuable and rare materials for various crafts; its remarkable durability and sustainability…

Mughlai Cuisine: Appealing to the Aesthetic through the Palate

Tiziana Andina and Carola Barbero look at food as an object of aesthetic appreciation and artistic skill; in traditional understandings, food and art are seen as completely opposite things, with…

Effigy making: A Victorious Craft

The festival of Dussehra is not just central to the city’s religious beliefs, but transforms it into a space for artistic and cultural outpouring. A major aspect of the festival…

Dilli Haat: A Hub of Tradition and Modernity

Introduction Craft bazaars serve as vital venues for the celebration of cultural heritage; in the consumer-driven urban life privileging fast fashion, such initiatives provide the audience with the opportunity to…

The Art of Leisure through the Gardens of Delhi

Introduction According to Mohammad Gharipour, gardens are imbued with a deep cultural symbolism in both Western and Eastern civilisations, supporting not just floral and faunal life, but also the social…

The Writing on the Wall: Locating Delhi’s Street Art

The idea of art is a wide-ranging and open-ended concept; the decision of whether something has aesthetic value largely depends on contemporary thought, social location and more importantly, authority within…

The Art of Kite-flying and a Bygone Era

“In Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war…By the time the snow melted and the rains of spring swept in, every boy in Kabul bore telltale horizontal…

The Gates of Delhi: Guardians of a Royal Capital

The architecture of the city of Delhi owes primarily to the patronage of the Mughal Empire, one of its most creative and richest periods. From Babur to Aurangzeb, leaders utilized…