A two-day workshop to explore old city commercial lanes through different documentation methods starts on May 11th.
Achintya Studio is hosting a workshop titled ‘Documenting the alleys of the old city of Nagpur’ on Saturday, May 11th, and Sunday, May 12th, from 7 am to 11 am. The workshop aims to capture the essence of these alleys through various mediums such as photography, sketching, writing, mind mapping, interviews, surveys, and more.
Nagpur boasts a rich history spanning over three centuries, tracing back to its evolution. The city’s roots can be traced to the fortified area now known as ‘Mahal,’ where human settlements began to emerge. Evidence of commercial development since those early days is apparent along the present-day Old Bhandara Road, which historically linked Nagpur to neighboring towns.
The old commercial district of the city is segmented into several lanes, commonly known as ‘olis.’ These lanes include Kirana Oli (grocery lane), Kasaar Oli (utensils lane), Loha Oli (iron lane), Chuna Oli (lime lane), Resham Oli (silk lane), Tambaku Oli (tobacco lane), Phool Oli (flower lane), and more.
The essence of these lanes persists today, but with the constant push for development, both their tangible and intangible heritage face vulnerability, risking their loss amidst progress. The workshop aims to document the diverse types of olis in the old city, preserving their cultural and historical significance.
The initiative is led by The Achintya Studio, Nagpur, and coordinated by Shivani Sharma, an expert in conservation holding a Master of Architecture (Conservation) degree.