Indian Cultural Heritage Research Indian Cultural Heritage Research PresentsPresents

Jafa Delhi Heritage WalksJafa Delhi Heritage Walks & &

Cultural ProductionsCultural Productions

An Experiential learning of IndiaAn Experiential learning of India

by by

Dr. Navina JafaDr. Navina Jafa

Dr. Jafa under her organization Indian Cultural Heritage Research creates special cultural experiences molding the reading of landscapes to suit varied mindset of people visiting Heritage landscapes.

The experience of heritage is expanded:

Heritage of tangible built monuments: Monuments that can be read from several perspectives, political, social , economic, aesthetic, architectural specifics

Intangible heritage of crafts traditions, performing arts,

Heritage of work cultures: Business cultures, Cultures associated with caste occupations. Narratives of these work cultures to be presented against the specific physical environment in which they exist.

Heritage of Health and Beauty

Heritage of Itinerant Cultures such as Sufi mystics, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain mendicants, along with several categories of performing artists

Heritage of Religious and Ritual traditions

Heritage of Cuisine Cultures

Contact DetailsContact Details

Indian Cultural Heritage ResearchIndian Cultural Heritage Research

mail: indianculturalheritageresearch@gmail.commail: indianculturalheritageresearch@gmail.comnavina.jafa@gmail.com

Website: Website: www.navinajafa.net

Telephone: +91-11-9810150152 ; Landline : 01126859641; Telephone: +91-11-9810150152 ; Landline : 01126859641; Fax : 011-26859641Fax : 011-26859641

Making Heritage Cultural ProductionsMaking Heritage Cultural Productions

Based on the above categories of understanding Heritage, Indian Cultural Heritage Research develops cultural productions. The productions could be in the form of :

Heritage Walks Lecture-demonstrations Performances Workshops Specific Heritage Cultural Experiences for dinners and Conferences

“I wished I had seen India like this earlier, from within, today I have experienced India in a way I never imagined."

The idea of the walking Exhibits is to extend the learning experience of the objective with which you professionally relate to India and combine learning with leisure.

Heritage itineraries and heritage sites are chosen best suited to the clients’ scheduled time, interest and security.

Each itinerary and narrative is developed in a manner that extends the learning experience of the client.

Exhibits are molded in accordance to the time schedule proposed by the client.

Walking exhibits are tailored signature experiences and have formed value additions to corporate gatherings such as conferences, seminars, high level visits

JAFA HERITAGE WALKSObjectives and Strategy

Product Variation

The Walking Exhibits assume the form of a study tour

Heritage Landscape are approached from different perspectives:

We have therefore been able to cater to groups from varied backgrounds such as:

Political Legal International Relations Economic DEFENCE Environment Artistic and Architectural Scientific Media

The Audience have ranged from: High level delegations from various countries - economic, political, scientific groups or individual

dignitary Defense delegation or individual dignitary Educational Groups – Teachers or students Museum Groups Leisure Travel Groups

Samples of our walks in Delhi

Examples of Walking Study Exhibits

For Delegations with an Economic Background:

Rising India Bazaars of Old Delhi: The Objective of Walking Exhibit is to apprehend a) Idea of Bazaar culture versus market cultures b) historical and contemporary comprehension of business cultures in specialized bazaars of Old Delhi. From fascinating whole sale bazaars engaged in bullion, in spices, in dress accessories, the walk appears to be a psychedelic experience of color, movement and smells.

Business , Innovations and Religious Rituals: The walking exhibit approaches various business neighborhoods, and creates an understanding of post partition composition of the business landscape in Old Delhi. There is special emphasis on illustrating and creating an understanding of ‘Jugaad’ or . impromptu innovation - an improvisational style of leading edge that was developed primarily because Indian inventors wanted to address pressing needs of those around them but had few resources upon which to draw. The ‘inventors’ come up with ingenious ways to overcome obstacles and scarcity. The walk presents India as an economic powerhouse driven by innovation. The walk also presents various ritual and religious beliefs that guide business mindsets in India.

Creative and Cultural Industries Crafts Museum: The Narrative of the walk centers on traditional skills of human resource that provides a unique identity to South Asia. With Agriculture shrinking this is the largest occupational sector in the Indian Subcontinent. The heart of India is its village, Gandhi realized the economic power that remains with these skills. During the course of the walk the participants are introduced to fascinating rituals and lifestyles that surround the fabric of a variety of skills and indigenous knowledge systems.

Walking Exhibits for Delegations with Background of Politics, International Relations, Walking Exhibits for Delegations with Background of Politics, International Relations, Historical Research, Sociological Understanding and Religious Interests:Historical Research, Sociological Understanding and Religious Interests:

Advent of Political Islam: A walk around the World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar. The fascinating descriptive trajectory traces the manner in which early Islamic rulers created a citadel and legitimized their rule by building one of the earliest Mosque, Madrasa and a minaret proclaiming their arrival.

Stating Diplomacy through Architecture: A walk around the world Heritage site of the Humayun’s tomb a 16thc Mughal tomb, precursor of the Taj Mahal, and the first grand monument built by the great Mughals, the narrative describes the manner in which the Tomb was a statement of the arrival of the Great Mughals, and statement of diplomacy between a Muslim Empire and its large non Muslim

Populace.

Syncretism in India : The Sufi Complex of Hazrat Nizamuddin a 13thc Sufi Complex: India is home to second largest Muslim population of the world, but the majority of the one billion population is non Muslim. The exhibit focuses on the binding aspects of Sufism or mystic Islam and its role in the coexistence of cultural traditions. This walk is augmented by organizing a Sufi Music Concert in a private house of a traditional Sufi Musician Family within the complex.

Understanding Islamic Identity: As the Muezzin gives the soulful call for evening prayers, the walkers solemnly enter the Jama Masjid. From there the walkers proceed amidst the chaotic bazaars full of Islamic sensibilities the smells, clothes, jewelry, and eateries. They make their way into the winding lanes and enter the world of djinns. The walk covers Pre Mughal Sufi Monasteries the mystery grave of Muslim queens and ends to savor authentic Mughal cuisine.

Mythological Theatre in Master pieces of Indian Culture : Replica Museum: Narrative and magic of decoding symbols, stories and aesthetic aspects of Indian Sculptures in this hidden treasure of city produces a unique insight into Wonder that was and is India.

Other Walks and ExcursionsOther Walks and Excursions

Devi the Great Mother Goddess: A walk in the complex of the ancient Kalka Temple Complex in South Delhi. The narrative engages the audience to comprehend the power of the Great Mother Goddess descriptions of Hindu pilgrimage landscape, sociological organization of priests, rituals and belief. The walk includes a meeting with Lal Baba a Satvik Tantrik whose internal belief in the Devi cured him of a terminal illness. The walk is a window to one aspect of Hinduism.

Please see http://bdyoutube.com/video/CJXaQzO-r6k/The-Kalka-Devi-Temple-Stella-Dupuis.html

Sociology of a Hindu Religious Cult: The Hindu Temple of Akshardham: The Walking Exhibit around the modern Hindu temple opens the audience to a discourse on how religious cults carry with them the creation of a social, economic and sometimes a political identity. The walking exhibit also unravels the manner in which traditional knowledge skills of architecture remain to create a Hindu temple based on traditional rules of Hindu temple architecture.

Mughal sunset & Sufi sanctuary: A walk through palaces, pleasure houses, mosques, nostalgia, spirituality and sacrifice in Meherauli.

The Walk of Exorcism: A walk in Crafts Museum through the Gallery of Tribal Spirits & deities in the Craft museum,. followed by a visit to Matka Pir. a Sufi Monastery.

Tours –Colonial DelhiTours –Colonial Delhi

1. Colonial Delhi : A driving tour of the Lutyens Delhi which includes the view of the two secretariats, parliament house, President’s house, the central avenue – Rajpath, India Gate and drive through Connaught Place, the commercial center built by the British. View Article by Dr. Navina Jafa on Connaught Place. -www.financialexpress.com/news/full-circle/607797/

2. BEATO'S DELHI 1857: Recovery of Delhi by the British in 1857: The driving and walking tour is curated around some of the photographs taken by Felice Beato during and after the first war of independence. The tour covers several pickets, magazines and other sites associated with the theme of the tour. There is option of concluding the walk with a recital of the Bag Pipers. The tour is conducted around the vicinity of the Delhi University.

3. 1857, The First War of Independence: Starting from the St. James’ Church, the walk proceeds to the Lothian cemetery the oldest British cemetery in Delhi which interestingly enough has graves with marks of Free masons. There is then a rickshaw ride to the house of Ghalib , in deep neighborhoods of Old Delhi. Ghalib the city’s poet is known to have poignantly writtten verse of the 1857.

Tours for :Health professionals : Indigenous Knowledge on Health: Crafts Museum: The walk incorporates various

galleries at the unique crafts museum in Delhi. The narrative describes various ideas on health and hygiene and chronicles beliefs in sacred trees related to health.

Traditional Healers in Old Delhi : The walk encompasses interaction in Old Delhi with various traditional healers such as Hakim or the Yunani Medicine doctors, Bone setters, wrestlers, Ayurvedic healers ,those who are engaged as Sufis who give talismans and mantras to cure and astrologers using precious and semi precious stones for health.

Legal professionalsThe System of Justice in the Mughal Times: World Heritage site of

Red Fort: The around the Red Fort takes into account the Mughal insignia of the scale of justice , and

creates an understanding of the legal system of the Mughals, along with the manner in which the site was used as a prison both by the British and during post independence times.

Walks for Environment ProfessionalsWalks for Environment Professionals;;Walk in the Archeological ParkWalk in the Archeological Park:: Heritage and Environment: The Archeological Park: The Heritage and Environment: The Archeological Park: The

walk in the Archaeological park situated near the world heritage monument Qutub Minar walk in the Archaeological park situated near the world heritage monument Qutub Minar represents an amazing statement of civilizational memories stretching from very early times to represents an amazing statement of civilizational memories stretching from very early times to the British times. The walk will showcase a small tomb and mosque Jamali Kamali dating to the the British times. The walk will showcase a small tomb and mosque Jamali Kamali dating to the 16th c The tomb as I call it is a Taj Mahal of Delhi. this will be followed by an elaborate stepwell 16th c The tomb as I call it is a Taj Mahal of Delhi. this will be followed by an elaborate stepwell belonging again to the early 16thc. Step wells are water monuments specific to the Indian belonging again to the early 16thc. Step wells are water monuments specific to the Indian subcontinent. subcontinent.

Hydraulics and Water Systems: The World Heritage Site of Red Fort: Hydraulics and Water Systems: The World Heritage Site of Red Fort: The The narrative of the walk ways forms the bases of the presenting the site and is related to the narrative of the walk ways forms the bases of the presenting the site and is related to the lifestyle and choice of deciding the site for the citadel of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.lifestyle and choice of deciding the site for the citadel of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

II- Creation of Special Events

For a Multi National Food Company: Two days events on Heritage

a) Business and Innovation : A Walk in Old Delhi

b) 2nd Day Early Morning : Glimpses of Equilibrium: A de-stressing program addressing Yoga and Sleep Disorders. This is followed by a Breakfast Talk on Recovering Food Heritage of India (organized in Delhi)

c) Street Cuisine walk in Old Delhi

For A Multi- National Company (Event in Orissa- Eastern India)a) Dinner Talk : Fast Forward –a Page on Indian History followed by exotic performances from Orissa

For A Company in Bangalore a) Walk on Trees of Bangaloreb) Dinner Talk : History and Culture of India followed by a performance of the Great Indian Rope Trick

For Business Delegation in Agra :Agra : Cosmopolitan Commercial Center in Medieval India: The tour besides presenting

Taj Mahal, takes the audience to traditional Bazaars, and the hidden Armenian cemetery where lie graves of Austrian, Greek, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch and Armenian Traders in a unique representation.

Special Programs for Team Building:

Special Art Tours

1. National Museum Tour : Covering the gallery of Indus Valley Civilization, Gallery of Buddhist Art, and Miniature Paintings

2. Textile Tour of the Crafts museum: Special program on learning tying the Sari in different ways

List of ClientsList of ClientsSelected Client List

Henry Kissinger

Condoleezza Rice

Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand

Ms. Benazir Bhutto

Mr. Jack Straw

Eva Luise Koehler, wife of German President

Hartmut Michel (Nobel Laureate from Germany)

Parliamentarians from European Union

City Bank, Deutsche Bank, TATA, FINANCIAL TIMES,

World CEO & Country Manager of Teacher whisky

Group of CEO’s from Canada

Present & former Ambassadors of country like Italy, U.S.A, Israel, Sweden Switzerland & many more

University groups from United States, Australia and Europe

Groups of school Children in Delhi

Study Groups from the United States, Pakistan, Australia and Europe Young President Organization from Hong Kong and India

Museum Groups from United States

Various trade. Defense, political delegations & Ministers from various countries

"You have inspired me to come back again to India ...you have given me peace..." Secretary of State Ms. Condoleezza Rice March 2006

Dr. Navina JafaDr. Navina Jafa

Expert on Presenting Heritage and cultural representation Dr. Jafa has pioneered Academic Cultural Tourism in India. Her book titled : Performing Heritage : The Art of Exhibit Walks published by SAGE, 2012.

She specializes in performing arts in development programs. Dr. Jafa has taught at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management , Brandeis University Boston. She teaches Performance, Culture &Development, and has worked on conflict resolution through arts.

Dr. Jafa, is presently Heritage Consultant with Government of Delhi, chief conveynor on Heritage Education at Central Board of Secondary Education, Govt. of India and the director of Indian Cultural Heritage Research a consortium of scholars who assist in cultural mapping, developing strategies in improving functionalities of cultural institutions, putting together seminars and research dossiers on cultural issues and cultural products such as narratives for audio guides, for cultural related books, themes for developing paintings, assistance on cultural research for design exhibits. She was the Secretary, Foundation for Arts a non profit organization working with grass root communities, lead Consultant with Asian Heritage Foundation a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts in India, and Fulbright Scholar, 2005 at the Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage, Washington DC where she worked on Cultural Management and Cultural Diplomacy.

Dr. Jafa is a trained concert artist who performs Kathak,Classical dance of North India. She earned PhD titled: “Changing Patronage and Economic Patterns Influencing the Living Cultures of Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Rampur, Raigarh and Varanasi, 1750…” She has worked with art historians on Indian Art. Dr. Jafa was appointed by the Smithsonian Journeys to lead the study tour to India in 2006. She is also engaged in cultural activism.