Pleach India Foundation

11/06/2026

A significant archaeological discovery has been reported in Kazakhstan, where researchers have documented more than 1,200 ancient petroglyphs and identified a rare Old Turkic runic inscription in Burkhansai Gorge. The inscription was documented at a rock art site featuring numerous carvings of animals, human figures, and symbolic motifs, reflecting the cultural and artistic traditions of early Turkic communities.

According to archaeologists, the inscription could offer important insights into the linguistic, cultural and historical development of Central Asia. Preliminary research suggests it may shed light on the social structures, belief systems, and mobility of early Turkic communities. Ongoing epigraphic and archaeological studies aim to establish its chronology and broader significance.

Experts note that the discovery highlights Central Asia's historical links with wider Eurasian cultural networks and is expected to become a significant resource for future research on Turkic history and heritage.

Source: https://greekreporter.com/2026/06/10/kazakhstan-petroglyphs-rare-turkic-inscription/

10/06/2026

We're hiring an HR/Admin Co-ordinator at PLEACH India Foundation

If you have a background in Human Resource Management and are passionate about fostering an organised and collaborative work environment, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 Full-Time | On-Site | Hyderabad
📧 [email protected]

Qualifications:
Passion to work and build a collaborative environment

09/06/2026

Perched amidst the rugged mountains of Ladakh, the 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗵 preserve a remarkable legacy of Buddhist faith, art and learning dating from the 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵–𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗘. This transformative period witnessed the rise of important monastic centres such as 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵–𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗘), renowned for its exceptional murals and strong Kashmiri artistic influences; 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘆𝘂𝗿𝘂 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗘), one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries and 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗸𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗘), celebrated for its imposing Tibetan Buddhist architecture. Other significant monasteries in the region include 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗘), 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗸 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗘) and 𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗘). Together, these sacred institutions reflect centuries of spiritual devotion, artistic achievement, scholarship and exchange across the trans-Himalayan region.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄?

Experience the vibrant 𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 (𝟮𝟰–𝟮𝟱 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲) at Hemis Monastery, one of Ladakh's most celebrated Buddhist festivals. Commemorating Guru Padmasambhava, the festival features spectacular masked Cham dances, sacred rituals, music and colourful costumes, offering a unique glimpse into Ladakh's living Buddhist heritage.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?

The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, which is well connected to major Indian cities. Leh can also be reached by road via the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways during the summer months. Local taxis and shared vehicles are available for visiting the monasteries.

𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗽:

Taste Ladakh's traditional culinary by trying Khambir (local whole-wheat bread), Chhurpi (dried yak cheese) and Paba a nutritious staple made from roasted barley flour.

08/06/2026

The study of religious traditions reveals the diverse ways in which cultures have interpreted the sacred and the nature of existence.

In this excerpt from Pleach Talk 76, Sneha Das discusses theological concepts associated with the Kamakhya Temple and their wider implications for understanding religious thought.

Explore the reel to learn more.

08/06/2026

07/06/2026

Episode 63 of the Rāmāyaṇa series celebrates the arrival of Rāma and his companions to Ayodhya.

Rāma, accompanied by his wife Sīta, his brother Lakṣmaṇa, and his devoted follower Hanumān, returns to Ayodhya aboard the Puṣpaka Vimāna (flowery chariot), bringing his exile to an end and reclaiming his rightful throne. This celebrated moment is depicted across the artistic traditions of Rajasthan, notably in the Mewar (19th cen. CE) and Udaipur (17th cen. CE) schools, as well as in a painting now housed in the British Library (17th cen. CE).

Ayodhya, in turn, is illuminated in joyous welcome as its king and queen return in great grandeur. This festive homecoming is vividly illustrated in the Guler (18th cen. CE) and Kangra (19th cen. CE) painting traditions of Himachal Pradesh, as well as in the Jodhpur (18th cen. CE) and Udaipur (17th cen. CE) schools of Rajasthan.

Amidst the celebrations stands Bharata, ready to welcome his brother - the true king of Ayodhya. His unwavering devotion is beautifully rendered across a variety of artistic media, from the bronze sculpture of the Vijayanagara period (14th cen. CE) and the relief panel in the Hazar Rama Temple at Hampi (15th cen. CE) to the celebrated paintings of Raja Ravi Varma (20th cen. CE).

06/06/2026

In this edition of “Must Read Books”, we bring you a curated reading list on Zooarchaeology, recommended by Dr. Pankaj Goyal, Scientific Assistant, Deccan College PGRI, Pune.

This selection introduces key works that explore faunal remains, archaeological methods and the role of animals in understanding past societies. Together, these books offer valuable insights into the theories, techniques and applications of Zooarchaeological research.

Swipe through to discover essential readings that deepen our understanding of animal remains and their significance in archaeology.

06/06/2026

We are delighted to present the recording of Session 2 from the National Seminar “𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮: 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 & 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.”

The session, themed “𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁,” featured engaging presentations examining the emergence and development of regional schools of art across India. The discussions highlight distinctive artistic traditions, local stylistic innovations, cultural interactions, and the diverse visual expressions that shaped India's sculptural and painting heritage.

Session Chair:
Dr. Manjil Hazarika
Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Cotton University, Guwahati

Watch the full session and explore the richness of India’s artistic and cultural traditions through scholarly perspectives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA0qUdTg7Uc&t=93s

We are delighted to present the recording of Session 2 from the Nat...

05/06/2026

Heritage is not lost in a single day, and it is not protected only by governments or experts. The future of our monuments, traditions, crafts and stories often depends on the 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆. A name scratched on a wall, litter left behind after a visit or indifference towards a forgotten structure may seem minor in the moment, but over time these actions slowly erase history. In the same way, a simple act of respect, curiosity or responsibility can become the first step towards preservation.

Awareness creates a sense of connection. When people understand the value of heritage,they begin to treat it not as an old object from the past, but as a living part of their identity. Teaching children local stories, supporting traditional artisans, sharing authentic history or simply encouraging responsible tourism can inspire communities to care for what they inherit. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘁 and often, the smallest efforts leave the deepest impact on future generations