MAP’s Bengaluru exhibitions explore Indian wrestling and visual storytelling

The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru is showcasing two exhibitions that blend tradition with contemporary storytelling. "Grip, Hold, Pin" and "A Moving Line: 1500 Years of Indian Visual Storytelling" run until November 2026, offering insights into Indian wrestling as a cultural practice and the evolution of visual narratives in India.

Two exhibitions explore Indian culture and storytelling

The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru is hosting two major exhibitions, "Grip, Hold, Pin" and "A Moving Line: 1500 Years of Indian Visual Storytelling," both running until November 2026.

"Grip, Hold, Pin" highlights wrestling as cultural tradition

Curated by Aayati Sengupta, "Grip, Hold, Pin" focuses on Indian wrestling as a living cultural tradition. The exhibition features historical objects, early Ragamala paintings, and textile labels that depict wrestling not just as a sport but as an expression of community, identity, and labor. Contemporary photographers like Prarthna Singh contribute works that highlight the lives and resilience of women wrestlers, according to YourStory.

"A Moving Line" traces 1,500 years of visual storytelling

The second exhibition, "A Moving Line," is curated by graphic novelist Amruta Patil. It traces 1,500 years of Indian visual storytelling, showcasing traditions like kaavad from Rajasthan and pattachitra from eastern India. Kaavad is described as a portable wooden shrine where painted panels unfold to reveal narrative scenes, while pattachitra combines narrative and visual art through cloth paintings depicting mythological figures and stories.

The exhibition also includes modern comics and graphic novels from publishers like Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle, as well as contemporary works that explore political, feminist, and queer narratives in digital formats.

Interactive features enhance visitor experience

Both exhibitions are designed to engage visitors through interactive features. MAP has produced a scholarly publication for "A Moving Line," along with audio guides, tactile displays, and a library of books. These elements encourage visitors to explore the exhibits at their own pace and reflect on the connections between diverse cultural practices, as reported by YourStory.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators in the creative and cultural sectors, MAP’s exhibitions demonstrate how institutions can bridge historical traditions with contemporary storytelling. The focus on interactivity—such as tactile displays and audio guides—shows how museums are evolving to engage audiences beyond passive observation. This approach could inspire startups in edtech, media, or experiential design to explore hybrid models that blend physical and digital engagement. The exhibitions also highlight the commercial potential of cultural preservation, particularly in industries like publishing, tourism, and digital content creation.

Key takeaways

• MAP’s exhibitions, running until November 2026, explore Indian wrestling and 1,500 years of visual storytelling.
• Curators Aayati Sengupta and Amruta Patil emphasize the cultural depth and evolution of the practices featured.
• The exhibitions include interactive elements like audio guides, tactile displays, and scholarly publications to enhance visitor engagement.
• Traditional storytelling methods like kaavad (Rajasthan) and pattachitra (eastern India) are showcased alongside modern comics and graphic novels.
• The shows reflect how cultural institutions can adapt to modern audiences while preserving heritage.

FAQ

What are the two exhibitions currently showing at MAP?

The two exhibitions are "Grip, Hold, Pin," which explores Indian wrestling as a cultural tradition, and "A Moving Line: 1500 Years of Indian Visual Storytelling," which traces the evolution of visual narratives in India.

Who curated the exhibitions at MAP?

Aayati Sengupta curated "Grip, Hold, Pin," while Amruta Patil, a graphic novelist, curated "A Moving Line."

How long will the exhibitions run?

Both exhibitions are open until November 2026.

What interactive features are included in the exhibitions?

The exhibitions feature audio guides, tactile displays, scholarly publications, and a library of books to enhance visitor engagement.

What is kaavad and how is it featured in the exhibition?

Kaavad is a portable wooden storytelling shrine from Rajasthan, where painted panels unfold to reveal narrative scenes. It is featured in "A Moving Line" as part of India’s living storytelling traditions.

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