Mughal Banaras: An Exhibition on forgotten Histories in a Troubled Present

Ulrich Gehmann and Ulrike Sattler from Ideal Spaces were invited by our partner, architect Jateen Lad from Manchester, to the launch of his photographic exhibition entitled Mughal Banaras: Forgotten Histories in a Troubled Present, taking place at The Brunei / SOAS Gallery in Bloomsbury, central London. The visual exhibition of large format photographs and a film, made by Jateen Lad and informed by the historical and ethnographic field research of Malavika Kasturi from the University Toronto/Canada, addressed the loss of cultural heritage in its effects on cultural memory, identity, and social cohesion. The case study of the Indian city of Banaras (now Varanasi) illuminated the targeted destruction of Muslim heritage in this city for ideological reasons. 

As said, this is just a case study. The destruction of architectural cultural heritage and in its wake, the loss of identity can be observed all over the world. Jateen Lad and Ulrich Gehmann discussed possibilities of a project in this direction.    

Gallery link: Mughal Banaras: Forgotten Histories in a Troubled Present | SOAS

Cover photo:  Jateen Lad (left) with Ideal Spaces director Ulrich Gehmann

Mughal Banaras Jateen Lad SOAS Exhibition

From left to right:  U. Gehmann, Sascha Vincon, Ulrike Sattler, Jateen Lad, Malavika Kasturi

Jateen Lad in discussion with Ulrich Gehmann and a visitor