Team Encounters

Bridging the Past and Present

My fascination with history began in childhood, deeply nurtured by my parents, who are both teachers and remarkable storytellers. Their passion for the subject went beyond the classroom, spilling into our home in the form of captivating stories that brought history to life. They had an extraordinary talent for transforming textbook material into vivid, immersive narratives. Through their storytelling, events, and figures that might have seemed remote or abstract became real and relatable, sparking my imagination in profound ways.

As a Research Assistant at Pleach India Foundation, my work revolves around the fascinating task of unraveling the layers of history embedded in India’s heritage. Every day feels like a journey through time, immersed in the echoes of ancient civilizations. The Foundation’s mission to preserve and promote India’s cultural and historical legacy resonates deeply with my passion for uncovering the stories behind monuments and artifacts that have stood the test of time.

Each project begins with a question—Who built this? Why was it created? What stories does it hold? These questions are the starting point of every historical exploration. They fuel the curiosity that drives my research, offering a glimpse into the motivations, creativity, and struggles of the people who shaped these monuments. After all, history begins with WH questions. These fundamental inquiries provide a framework for uncovering the past and connecting it to the present.

My focus often lies on ancient Indian monuments, which are far more than mere architectural structures. They are living testaments to the civilizations that built them, reflecting their values, beliefs, and aspirations. From temples adorned with intricate carvings that narrate tales of devotion and myth, to forts and palaces that whisper stories of valor and governance, each monument offers a unique lens into history.

This work involves not only academic research but also the creative task of bringing these findings to life for a wider audience. Through detailed analysis of inscriptions, sculptures, and historical texts, I aim to uncover narratives that breathe life into stone and mortar. For me, the most rewarding aspect of this role is the opportunity to bridge the past and present, helping people connect with their heritage while preserving these stories for posterity.

Maitreyee Metange
Research Assistant
From Academic Archaeology to Public Archaeology
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Bridging the Past and Present
Rediscovering Storytelling Through Heritage
Discovering Heritage Through Design
Bridging Time: From Artifacts to Digital Storytelling
Understanding Bedsheets, Towels & my Mom’s sarees through the lenses of Heritage
On Making of a Visual Landscape
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