“People of Clay” is a profound inquiry into the essence of identity, set against the historical and cultural backdrop of the Rajbanshis – the so-called People of Clay – in the Indian areas of Assam and Bengal. Through a blend of text, archival materials, and photography, Mahajan unravels the impact of colonial classifications and the danger of cultural oblivion. Rooted in ethnography, mythology and folk songs, the project becomes a vessel for exploring and preserving local heritage.
Mahajan’s approach, interweaving personal narratives with a broader socio-political canvas, invites a reflection on identity, fluidity against the rigidities of colonial legacies. His work, a narrative enriched by love and community engagement, challenges the permanence of imposed identities, suggesting a more dynamic, interconnected conception of cultural lineage.
