about vartaphalaks...

the ubiquitous vartaphalaks which dot the older parts of pune city in hundreds, represent a fascinating case of public spaces which become sites of articulation of different kinds of agendas and identities, in an urban context. vartaphalaks generally serve as visual markers of the collective that exists in the precincts of that notice board. this could be local branches of political parties, youth collectives, residential collectives, auto rickshaw drivers’ unions and so on. the various symbols and imagery that is inscribed in and around these spaces and the content and the rhetoric of the matter written on vartaphalaks make for a public space extremely rich in visual content.

spaces around vartaphalak

spaces around vartaphalak
kumthekar road, sadashiv peth
this is a typical space as defined by a vartaphalak. this message was written a day after the civic election results were declared, expounding on the topic of 'kartavya': It is but natural to be enthused by victory and be disappointed by defeat. However our tradition tells us that more important than victory or defeat is our duty

spaces around vartaphalaks

spaces around vartaphalaks
tiranga young circle vartaphalak, ghorpade peth

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Locating the vartaphalak
















This vartaphalak is located in Nana Peth adjoining a one of the oldest taalims (traditional gymnasiums where wrestlers train) in Pune city.

Above, boys playing, with a vartaphalak in the backgound, in Kasba Peth.
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1 comment:

Marie-Louise said...

This is a very original blog. You show us that vartaphalaks reflect the inherent spirit of the community, with all the bias, and personal agendas (it's sort of "warts and all!"). But also, they display heartfelt messages.
I love to see how people sit in the sun and read newspapers together. This is less common in America.

Marta

September 23, 2007 at 8:57 AM

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