25/10/2024
Photos from the 2nd day of the 2-Day Workshop on Documenting the Olis of Nagpur, conducted by Ar. Shivani Sharma and Ar. Devesh Chindhe on May 11th and 12th, 2024.
The Old Bhandara Road, historically a key trade route linking Nagpur to neighboring towns, has grown into a bustling commercial area. Its various "Olis" (lanes)—known as ओली in Hindi and ओळी in Marathi—include Kirana Oli (grocery lane), Kasaar Oli (utensils lane), Loha Oli (ironwork lane), Chuna Oli (lime lane), Resham Oli (silk lane), and Tambaku Oli (to***co lane), each dedicated to a specific trade. These vibrant lanes represent a rich living heritage that is now at risk due to ongoing urban development, endangering both their tangible and intangible cultural aspects.
The workshop focused on documenting these Olis, emphasizing the connection between people and place. Participants used diverse methods, including photography, sketching, writing, mind mapping, interviews, and surveys, to capture the unique character and stories of these lanes.