Tuli Research Centre for India Studies
M.F. Husain
F.N. Souza
Sayed Haider Raza
Jamini Roy
Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
Amitabh Bachchan
Ramkumar
Dharmendra
K.G. Subramanyan
Akbar Padamsee
Jehangir Sabavala
Jogen Chowdhury
Raj Kapoor
Dilip Kumar
Ganesh Pyne
Shashi Kapoor
Satyajit Ray
K. Laxma Goud
Bhupen P. Khakhar
Dev Anand
K.H. Ara
J. Swaminathan
Sanjeev Kumar
Prithviraj Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor
Manjit Bawa
Waheeda Rehman
Bikash Bhattacharjee
K.K. Hebbar
N.S. Bendre
V.S. Gaitonde
G.R. Santosh
Tyeb Mehta
Balraj Sahni
George Keyt
Bachchanalia
Satish Gujral
Zeenat Aman
Guru Dutt
Sharmila Tagore
Somnath Hore
Nandalal Bose
Himmat Shah
Paritosh Sen
Naseeruddin Shah
Raaj Kumar
M.A.R. Chughtai
Amrita Sher-Gil
Prabhakar Barwe
Jitish Kallat
Asha Parekh
H.A. Gade
Rameshwar Broota
Sunil Das
Kamal Amrohi
A. Ramachandran
Shanti Dave
Sadanand K. Bakre
Utpal Dutt
Zarina Hashmi
Sudhir Patwardhan
Gaganendranath Tagore
R.D. Mathur
Subodh Gupta
Chittaprosad
Chetan Anand
J. Sultan Ali
Raja Ravi Varma
Vivan Sundaram
Jal Mistry
Raj Khosla
Faredoon A. Irani
Ritwik Ghatak
Charlie Chaplin
Fali Mistry
Pooja Bhatt
9th Osian's-Cinefan Festival for Asian Cinema 2007
Shyam Benegal
Geeta Kapur
Neville Tuli
Mahesh Bhatt
Ramesh Sippy
Amol Palekar
Samuel Bourne
Tod Browning
Fritz Lang
Lon Chaney
Hemant Chaturvedi
Lucknow
Thea von Harbou
Govind Nihalani
Mrinal Sen
Felice Beato
Saeed Akhtar Mirza
Bimal Roy
Helen
30+ Years of Love, Archiving, Research and Study
A Visionary Archive for Contemporary India Studies
A knowledge-base built upon the learning energies and experiences of Neville Tuli fusing his “visual-textual-audio-contextual” eye within an “animal-human-nature-continuum” which instinctively grasps the unique diversity and rhythms of India.
275,000+
Objects, Free and Open
Tuli Research Centre for India Studies
A Vision of experiencing, researching, studying and loving India for over thirty years, now to be shared via the Research Centre that keeps it, free and open to all, with a Manifesto that helps to make a meaningful educational process a birthright,... with Vanraja, a partner sanctuary and hospice for canine, feline and equine children and nature to constantly inculcate that compassion and empathy rooted at the heart of any significant learning journey.
The Research Categories
Sixteen ways to holistically visualise a nation
They are the conceptual spine of the Contemporary India Studies Knowledge-base within which each Masterlist and all the Objects are contextualised and inter-linked, taking forward a unique Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India learning journey.
Explore All Research Categories →ICore
- ICore01Cinema as a Critical Educational ResourceCinema as a Critical Educational Resource focuses on gaining an understanding of India through the lens of cinema. It deals with rare gems from Indian cinema and beyond to chronicle the history and culture of India and investigates how cinema captures the nuances of Indian life, portraying the experiences, struggles and aspirations of its people. Using critical resources such as film publicity material, including booklets, lobby cards and posters, this research area offers unique insights into its cultural diversity, social fabric and historical evolution.
- ICore02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine ArtsModern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts delves into the evolution and significance of Indian fine arts, offering a comprehensive resource for understanding the artistic expressions that shape modern India. It examines the contributions of individual artists, the impact of polymaths and the ideas and historical movements that have influenced Indian art over the last hundred years. Through curated collections and critical analyses, this classification provides a deep perspective on the cultural and historical contexts, pivotal events and creative ideologies that have shaped modern and contemporary Indian art.
- ICore03Photography in IndiaPhotography in India explores the country's rich historical evolution through defining moments of societal change as well as everyday life. It investigates how photographs serve as custodians of memory and history, offering a unique insight on India's cultural and social landscape. It explains how photography becomes a powerful medium for documenting and interpreting the nation's diverse experiences.
- ICore04The Printed Image, Popular Arts, and CraftsThe Printed Image, Popular Arts, and Crafts examines the evolution and impact of printed images, including posters, advertisements and calendars, alongside traditional arts and crafts. It explores how these visual forms reflect and influence societal values, historical contexts and regional identities. By delving into the interplay between popular arts and crafts, this research area uncovers India's rich cultural heritage, offering valuable insights into her social dynamics and artistic expressions.
IIMaterial
- IIMaterial05India's Architectural Heritage as InspirationIndia's Architectural Heritage as Inspirationinvestigates how historical monuments, traditional building techniques and regional styles influence contemporary architecture, art, urban planning and design. It highlights the preservation challenges, adaptive reuse strategies and cultural narratives associated with iconic landmarks and lesser-known monuments of India. By studying the interplay between past architectural achievements and present-day creative expressions, this category aims to showcase the enduring legacy of Indian architecture.
- IIMaterial06Economics of Art & Cultural IndustryEconomics of Art & Cultural Industry explores the economic aspects of art and the cultural industry, illuminating the intricate interplay between creativity and commerce. It investigates the establishment and structuring of the art auction market, the evolution of market dynamics, and the privileging of certain artists and their economic trajectories. The analysis extends to the impact of government policies and the changing global understanding of India on cultural trade. This research area offers a comprehensive understanding of the financial forces driving India's cultural landscape.
- IIMaterial07Automobile, Transport and Travel HeritageAutomobile, Transport and Travel Heritage throws light on the preservation of the automobile, by introducing the reader to iconic vehicles, historic routes and travel-related infrastructure. How transportation has shaped urbanization, tourism and regional connectivity across India, underscoring the importance of preserving and documenting her diverse transportation heritage for future generations and fostering a deeper appreciation of its historical and contemporary significance.
- IIMaterial08UncertaintyUncertainty - Magic | Horror | Sci-Fi | Gambling delves into how mystery, magic, horror, science fiction and gambling narratives reflect and shape perceptions of uncertainty in Indian literature, cinema, folklore and popular culture. It investigates how these themes engage with human psychology, societal fears and aspirations, offering insights into the ways uncertainty is portrayed and interpreted. It examines the cultural significance of supernatural beliefs, speculative fiction and risk-taking behaviors, highlighting their roles in navigating uncertainty and coping with the unknown.
IIICritical
- IIICritical09Social Responsibility of the Creative MindSocial Responsibility of the Creative Mind throws light on the ethical obligations and impacts of artistic and creative endeavors in Indian society. It explains how artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and other creatives engage with and respond to social issues, including inequality, justice, environmental sustainability and cultural representation. It examines the ways in which creative expressions can shape public opinion, challenge norms and advocate positive change.
- IIICritical10The Changing Smile of Childhood & Its Second ComingThe Changing Smile of Childhood & Its Second Coming explores the evolving portrayal and significance of childhood in contemporary India. It does so by highlighting shifts in cultural perceptions, social norms and the representation of children in various media, including literature, art, film and advertising. It examines how childhood experiences are depicted, valued and understood across different socio-economic and cultural contexts. By analyzing the continuum from childhood through to old age, this research seeks to understand the holistic journey of human development and aging within the Indian context.
- IIICritical11The Sensual Discipline within CreativityThe Sensual Discipline within Creativity explores the complex interplay between eroticism and artistic expression in India. It investigates how themes of sensuality, desire and intimacy have been depicted within various creative disciplines such as literature, visual arts, dance and cinema. It explores cultural attitudes towards eroticism, the societal reception of artistic representations and the evolution of erotic themes in different historical periods. It provides an understanding of how eroticism has influenced and shaped Indian art and culture, contributing to broader discussions on aesthetics, identity and human expression.
- IIICritical12The History & Historiography of Scholarship in the Arts, Humanities, and Social SciencesThe History & Historiography of Scholarship in the Arts delves into the evolution and analysis of artistic scholarship in India. It studies the historical development of arts scholarship, tracing key movements, influential figures and pivotal works that have shaped the understanding of Indian art forms. It also involves historiography, analyzing how historical contexts and cultural perspectives have influenced the study and interpretation of the arts over time.It highlights the shifts in critical approaches and the impact of socio-political factors on art history.
IVMeaningful
- IVMeaningful13Seeking Justice and Political IntegritySeeking Justice and Political Integrity delves into the contributions of activists, freedom fighters and civil society in advocating for justice and ethical governance. It explores the ways in which grassroots movements and public opinion shape political integrity and accountability. This research is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of Indian democracy and the ongoing efforts to achieve a just and equitable society.
- IVMeaningful14India and her Relationship with the WorldIndia and her Relationship with the World examines India's historical and contemporary relationships with various countries, emphasizing diplomatic, economic, cultural and social dimensions. It explores the influence of Indian art, cinema, cuisine and philosophy beyond its borders, showcasing India's soft power and its ability to shape global perceptions.
- IVMeaningful15The Religious-Spiritual-Poetic-Philosophical FrameworkThe Religious-Spiritual-Poetic-Philosophical Continuum delves into the intricate interplay between India's religious beliefs, spiritual practices, poetic traditions and philosophical thought. The continuum explores how these elements are interwoven and reflect India's cultural and intellectual heritage. By studying ancient texts, contemporary literature, rituals and philosophical discourses, this category seeks to understand how these domains influence one another and contribute to the holistic Indian worldview. It reviews the ways in which religious and spiritual insights find expression in poetry and philosophy, offering a nuanced perspective on India's quest for meaning and transcendence.
- IVMeaningful16The Animal-Human-Nature ContinuumThe Animal-Human-Nature Continuum explores the interconnectedness of ecological systems and the relationships between animals, humans and nature. It examines the depiction of canines and felines in Indian art, cinema and culture, questioning the efforts made to foster sensitivity and empathy. By investigating the affection for animals and the factors contributing to their coexistence with humans, this research promotes a holistic understanding of the natural world, encouraging empathy.
What is New
PostGandhi through the eye of the artist by Neville TuliPostJourney of an Artist: Chittaprosad's Art, Politics and IdealismPostThe Indian Street and MF Husain’s LinePost"Udein Jab Jab Zulfein Teri"- Romance, Folklore, and the Looming Motor Car | Naya Daur (1957)Post"Ae Maalik Tere Bande Hum" - A bhajan from V Shantaram's film about prison reform| Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957)Masterlist8th Osian's-Cinefan Festival for Asian CinemaMasterlist9th Osian's-Cinefan Festival for Asian Cinema 2007MasterlistA Dog's Life 1918MasterlistA Musical Glue for Nation-Building - Deconstructing the Film SongMasterlistAa Gale Lag Jaa 1973
Archive & Library
Every image tile is a curated object with an archived record in context. A lobby card, an oil on canvas painting, a propaganda lithograph, a medieval architectural monument, a vintage botanical plate, and so on, all share a common platform and structure, because that is how the archival collection was visualised and built, jigsaw piece upon jigsaw piece, so to capture the objective energies of modern and contemporary India and the worlds of cinema, the humanities, social sciences and the arts.
Research Categories
Explore all →Sixteen research paths to visualise and conceptualise a nation and its eco-systems
Curated Masterlists
Explore Masterlists
Browse through curated research collections bringing together important archival objects structured via Personality, Institution, Location, Film, Dynasty, MetaObject, Theme, Date, Event categorised Masterlist TYPES.
Explore thousands of Masterlists structured across the sixteen (16) Research Categories which are being fed mostly by objects from the four (4) CORE Research Categories.
It Happened One Night 1934
Hollywood, 1934
Apparao Art
Auction House
Ritwik Ghatak
Film Director, 1925
BOOK.ffc | International Film Festival Catalogues
Object Series
8th Osian's-Cinefan Festival for Asian Cinema
International Film Festival, 2006
Posts | Object-driven Scholarship via a process of exploration and self-discovery
Voices from the Archive
Essays and narratives from across the archive and its Masterlists.
There is a rare structured-fluidity at the heart of our inter-disciplinarity, which feeds the voices of our object-driven scholarship, without which the unique nature of India’s interwoven diversity will not be fully grasped
Start from a name you already care about
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The archive in public
Calendar
Calendar for the period 10th November 2026 to 26th January 2027.
The Calendar highlights the important offline EVENTS and online CONTENT which requires introduction to our visitors along with appropriate context
All Living Souls
Expressed in Modern & Contemporary Fine and Popular Arts | Curated by Neville Tuli, 2026
All Living Souls
Expressed in Modern & Contemporary Fine and Popular Arts | Curated by Neville Tuli, 2026
SWARAJ - Revisualising India's Political History
An Exhibition of Modern & Contemporary Fine & Popular Arts, Photography, Film Memorabilia and Visual-Textual-Audio Archive, 2026
SWARAJ - Revisualising India's Political History
An Exhibition of Modern & Contemporary Fine & Popular Arts, Photography, Film Memorabilia and Visual-Textual-Audio Archive, 2026
A Musical Glue for Nation-Building
Deconstructing the Film Song, 2026
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Together these set what the archive leads with: your feed, your recommendations, and the works surfaced first when you search.