Community Museums In India: Rooted In Care

Abstract

This reflection explores the role of community based museums in India through two communities- the folk artists from Kathputli Colony in Delhi, and the fishermen communities in Mumbai. It illustrates the identity struggles of folk and tribal artists in India, their marginalisation in urban development and the precariousness of their livelihoods, and advocates for community-rooted museums that have a grounding in social justice, enabling ownership and active engagement of these communities. The emergence of community-based museums and grassroots initiatives in India, such as the Tandel Fund of Archives in Mumbai, is presented as a caring and hopeful response. Keywords: community, museums, identity, ownership, care

Keywords: community, museums, identity, ownership, care.