Bhimanshu Pandel

Fragments of a forgotten realm

The composition explores the narratives and histories embedded in pre-colonial objects that have become obscured over time. This was approached through a physical and conceptual “piercing,” employing modern scientific imaging techniques to study botanical cacti native called ‘kanti’ to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan. These objects trace back to pre-colonial farming practices and by examining them microscopically, the work connects the ecological elements of this dry region with the traditional farming tools once used in cultivation, creating an amalgamation of historical and ecological contexts. Building upon Latour’s argument that non-human actors (such as cacti and farming tools) play critical roles in shaping networks of knowledge and practice, the idea that objects, humans, and tools are co-actors in a dynamic network is explored.