(Bhopal-Madhya Pradesh)

The Bharat Bhavan, literally 'Abode or Home of India', was conceived and established as a cultural complex in the early 1980s. Since then, this museum-library, theatre and music centre has played a vital role in the contemporary art sense, attracting artists and performers from all over India and abroad.

The low buildings that appear to melt into the landscape were designed by the architect, Charles Correa. the buildings of the complex include the Rang Mandal, the theatre where a repertory company stages plays throughout the year. these plays are often based on innovative themes, but they draw also on India's older theatre traditions for inspiration on style and technique. there is a Music Hall (Anahad), a Poetry Library (Vagarth) and an Art Museum (Roopankar).

The museum specialises in two areas: contemporary art, with paintings and sculptures by various eminent Indian artists, and tribal and regional art forms from the area of Madhya Pradesh.

It is only recently that due honour and importance have been given to folk and tribal art, bronzes, terracottas, toys and ritual objects. The art of everyday life in India, as it were, is especially interesting, for there is a freshness and spontaneity about it that anyone can enjoy. Madhya Pradesh, one of India's largest states, has many regions like Bastar, Jhabua and others still inhabited by tribes.

The Bahvan regularly organises special exhibitions, programmes and 'happenings' that may interest the visitor. so look out for their programmes when you are in Bhopal.

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