Is There An Indian Way Of Designing?

An essay attempts to dissect the all-embracing notions of art, craft, design, and technique, revolving around the idea of ‘Indian’ homogenisation and plurality in tandem with current design practices

- Rishav Jain

‘‘Is there an Indian way of thinking?’’, asks A.K Ramanujan in one of his informal essays. This question initiates several debates that centre upon the ideas of ‘Indian’ homogenisation and plurality. Putting across various arguments, he also suggests that what we like, what we talk about, and how we think, are factors that reflect where we come from and what social position we occupy. While he elaborates on the issues of globalisation and modernisation by bringing examples of various kinds, what forms the key theme of the following essay is the question he poses: ‘‘Is there an Indian way of thinking?’’ This argument could lead to many discussions, but the essay looks at the current design practices and questions, “Is there an Indian way of Designing?” Ramanujan also discusses in his essay that the question can change the way it is asked, depending upon where the stress is placed, and the answers would vary. Building upon his arguments, the essay discusses the following:

Is there an Indian way of designing?

Is there an Indian way of designing?

Is there an Indian way of designing?

Is there an Indian way of designing?