The lecture was led by Pavan Mahatta, Pankaj Mahatta, and Arjun Mahatta, custodians of a photographic legacy spanning over 111 years and four generations. Drawing from the Mahatta family’s journey—from their first studio in Srinagar in 1915 to contemporary practice—they reflected on photography as an act of intention, preservation, and cultural responsibility.
“Photography is not just about recording what is in front of the lens,” said Pavan Mahatta. “It is about deciding what deserves to be remembered and how it should be seen by future generations.”
The session examined the photographer’s choices—framing, light, timing, and perspective—positioning photography as a crafted process rather than a passive capture. Parallels were drawn between photography and heritage conservation, highlighting both as practices of stewardship rooted in care and continuity.
Addressing the evolving role of post-production, Pankaj Mahatta noted, “Editing is not a cheating neither about altering reality; it is about completing the photograph. Even in the digital age, the intent remains the same—to bring the image closer to what the eye and mind experienced.”
The evening concluded with the formal launch of Mahakumbh: A Spiritual Odyssey, a visual chronicle of the 2025 Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest spiritual congregations. This coffee table book documents faith as lived experience—capturing gestures of prayer, moments of exhaustion, and quiet resilience amid the vast scale of the gathering.
“While photographing the Mahakumbh, our intent was to witness faith and its vastness,” said Arjun Mahatta. “The camera allowed us to engage with both the immensity of the event and the intimacy of individual belief.”
The event brought together artists, photographers, historians, and cultural practitioners, fostering dialogue on photography’s role in shaping collective memory. Mahatta & Co. expressed gratitude to INTACH for hosting the programme and supporting conversations that bridge visual practice, heritage, and contemporary culture.
About Mahatta & Co.
Mahatta & Co., established in 1915, is one of India’s oldest and most celebrated photography studios, renowned for its rich legacy spanning over a century. For four generations, the Mahatta family has captured defining moments of Indian history, from the Partition and Independence celebrations to India’s first fashion show and the transformation of Connaught Place. Blending artistry with documentation, Mahatta & Co. stands as a visual storyteller of the nation, preserving heritage while continuing to innovate in photography and design.
