Thirty-three stunning images reflecting the rich Islamic heritage of India are on show at a solo photography exhibition by renowned Indian art historian and prolific photographer and filmmaker Benoy K Behl.
Titled “Islamic Monuments of India,” the exhibition at Katara Cultural Village is a brilliant showcase of centuries-old Islamic architectural masterpieces found in various states of India seen through the eyes of Behl. Among the photos on display are of Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Mosque of Sultan Ahmad Shah and Bilal Khan Qazi Mosque in Gujarat, Red Fort in New Delhi, and Turkash Mahal in Karnataka.
Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara officially launched the exhibition on Tuesday in the presence of P. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar, other officials and a number of artists.
Al Sulaiti lauded how the artist was able to document an important aspect of India’s heritage artistically capturing on lens a variety of Islamic monuments.
The exhibition is presented by the Indian Embassy and Katara and comes in line with the celebration of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture.
“The Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture has opened doors to learn more about this diverse cultural heritage and this exhibition seeks to further strengthen the cultural relations between Qatar and India,” he said while stressing the keenness of Katara to hold such exhibitions constantly with various embassies to build bridges of communication between different peoples.
“The most important characteristic of India is its religious and cultural pluralism, which made it carry a historical heritage and cultural spirit for more than 5,000 years,” said Kumaran adding India is home to architectural designs and landmarks which were constructed through different periods in history and reflect India’s distinctive civilization.
The Ambassador thanked Katara for its continuous efforts to open windows to different civilizations and bring people together.
Over the past four decades, Behl has taken over 52,000 photos of Asian monuments and art and filmed 140 documentaries on art history. His works have been exhibited in 72 countries around the world.
The exhibition, which provides an invaluable opportunity to learn more about India’s rich history and culture, will remain open for public viewing every day from 10am to 10pm until September 28 at Building 19 Gallery 1.
