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"The paintings of Ajanta are a convincing reiteration of human values"

In conversation with Benoy K. Behl

Fahmim Ferdous
Art historian, filmmaker and photographer Benoy K. Behl first earned recognition with his remarkable photographs of the ancient caves ofAjanta. With more than 35,000 photos of Asian monuments and art heritage and 126 documentaries in his portfolio spanning over three decades], Behl is one of the leading exponents of visual art and heritage in South Asia. He is currently in Dhaka for his exhibition, "Buddhist Heritage in South Asia", being
held at the Bengal Art Lounge in Gulshan, and The Daily Star caught up with him.
Tell us about “Buddhist Heritage In South Asia” and how it started.
Benoy K. Behl: As an art historian, I have always felt the need for documentation of heritage and art. So at one point in my youth, I decided to take the matter into my own hands, going to places and documenting age-old sculptures and monuments through photographs and films. This exhibition here in Dhaka presents a section of my project, "Buddhist Heritage of the World”. I have travelled to 19 territories to photograph Buddhist heritage sites. While most of them are in Asia, there are Buddhist establishments deep in other parts of the world as well. For instance, I went to a place called Kalmykia, in Russia, to the south of the river Volga -- the only Buddhist heritage site in Europe. My exhibition on Buddhist heritage was launched recently with great
success in London, Washington DC, Tokyo, Colombo and New Delhi, and I plan to take this to as many places as I can.
Of all the places you have documented, which was the most striking?
Benoy K Behl: Every heritage sight is striking in its own right, but the fifth-century paintings in the caves of Ajanta (In India's Maharashtra) are spectacular. I discovered a world of harmony and compassion that, for me, was a convincing reiteration of human values. I have also photographed stupa here in Bangladesh that were once ancient universities — a remarkable experience. Then there were 11th century paintings that I photographed in very remote areas of western Tibet that no one had explored before.
What are the obstacles that you had to face through the course of your work?
Benoy K Behl: None. While it may seem like a difficult job, because religion is a matter of sentiments, I have had no prob-
lem whatsoever wherever I have been. People in Asia are very warm, caring, and more open-minded than they are given credit for.
What's your next big project?
Benoy K. Behl: Actually, the current project that I have undertaken is quite massive. It's on the “Islamic Heritage of the World". My plans are to visit 42 countries and territories to document the beautiful art that is incorporated with Islamic heritage. I have already completed work in about 12 countries, and part of the reason why I am in Bangladesh is to document the Islamic heritage here, because there are so many great instances of Islamic architecture here. Islamic heritage and architecture are spread more widely across the globe, and I want to bring it all together; Muslims were the most advanced people at one point of time, I want to portray that and spread the message that these divisions of today are unnecessary; the core values and underlying messages of all religions are same.