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Katha /katˈhaʔ/
[kɐt̪ˈhaʔ]
A story, legend, conversation, speech, or tale
Katha showcases Indian cultural artifacts, from the 19th century. Once integral to our ancestors' daily lives, they have been stripped of their original context and placed in new environments where their true significance, utility, and beauty are hidden, or overshadowed. These objects, once symbols of identity and heritage, are now seen merely as physical remnants, their stories untold.
The exhibition seeks to reconnect with these displaced objects by sharing the history behind them. The artifacts showcased in Katha are more than just historical items; they are windows into the past that speak of the evolution of our culture, craft, and design.
Through this exhibition, we aim to honor the artisans whose skilled hands created these objects. Their work and aesthetic, which once defined their livelihoods, is fading in relevance today. Many artisans went undocumented, their names lost over time even though their work still holds place in museums. We rarely remember who they were, but their impact on shaping not only India's artistic landscape but also modern design is profound. In re-telling their stories, Katha gives these objects -and the people behind them- the respect they deserve, reminding us that our present is built on the legacy of the past.
Katha invites us to pause and think about the evolution of our culture, and the subsequent evolution of our cultural identity.
The Katha: Evolving Identities opened at Nottingham Castle Museum November 2024, and ran in its full format until May 2025. Elements of the exhibition are still on display in the museum. During its run the exhibition received over 100k visitors. An impression of the exhibition can be seen below, and on the museum website.
Katha Podcast
Katha Podcast - Episode 1: The Keeper's tale.mp3Episode 1:
The Keeper's Tale
Join designer Shraddha Kedia in conversation with Ann Inscker, Curator of Human History at Nottingham City Museums & Galleries, whose work spans archaeology, social history, and world cultures. With over two decades of experience, Ann has been at the forefront of reinterpreting colonial-era collections, shaping museum narratives through material culture research and public engagement. In this episode, we explore the evolving role of museums, the complexities of collections management, and the story behind how these artefacts arrived in Nottingham. Tune in for an insightful discussion on curation, heritage, and the challenges of unlocking hidden histories.
Katha Podcast - Episode 2: The Curator' Narrative.mp3Episode 2:
The Co-Curator's Narrative:
Join designer Shraddha Kedia as she sits down with Dr Jonathan Gration, Course Leader for NTU’s Global Design Perspectives, to explore how curriculum design empowers students as co-curators of live projects. A transdisciplinary design historian and museum specialist, Jonathan brings over 20 years of experience to shaping immersive learning experiences that bridge Europe and Asia. In this episode, we unpack the role of material culture, hands-on curation, and the cross-cultural narratives that shape design education today. Tune in to discover how student-led projects redefine engagement with history, museums, and design practice in global contexts!
Katha Podcast - Episode 3: Decolonising Narratives.mp3Episode 3:
Decolonising Narratives:
Join us on the Katha exhibition podcast as host Priya Ajay Gondhiya welcomes design historian Dr Vivien Chan to explore how design can serve as a tool for decolonising cultural narratives. Dr Chan an educator at Nottingham Trent University, brings her expertise in Hong Kong’s material culture to this discussion. delving into design’s role in shaping cultural histories. Together, we’ll unpack the power of curation, the role of designers in reconnecting displaced artefacts, and how museums influence narratives.
Katha Podcast - Episode 4: Challenging the Narrative.mp3Episode 4:
Challenging the Narrative:
Join designer Aditya Sivaram as he sits down with Anisha Parmar, a creative and cultural practitioner whose work bridges heritage, adornment, and community storytelling. Through a range of projects Anisha explores how material culture shapes identity and reclamation within the South Asian diaspora. In this episode, we discuss the power of adornment, the role of design in decolonial narratives, and how creatives can challenge institutional biases through curation and collaboration. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on design, heritage, and empowerment in contemporary practice!
Katha Podcast - Episode 5: Design & Cultural Sustainability.mp3Episode 5:
Design & Cultural Sustainability:
Join designers Mahek Bhalla and Sujal Rathi as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Simona Cosentino on Designing for Cultural Sustainability, using India as a case study. A PhD candidate at NTU’s Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Global Heritage (CAUGH), Simona’s work explores community engagement with heritage to drive sustainable social and economic development. In this episode, we delve into the role of design in preserving cultural narratives, the intersection of craft, urban heritage, and sustainability, and how heritage can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on heritage, identity, and transformative design!
Kavad Animation
Step into the world of Katha through an enchanting animated journey inspired by the kavad, a traditional Indian storytelling box. Designed to captivate younger visitors, this animation brings to life the tale of a father and son, artisans in a small Indian village, who craft terracotta goddesses—until colonial rule reshapes their craft and their creations begin a journey across continents. Through vibrant visuals and immersive storytelling, young audiences explore how objects carry histories, who gets to tell their stories, and the silent voices behind museum displays. A tale of artistry, loss, and rediscovery—waiting to be heard.
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