The Aravalli Frontlines: Walking, Documenting, and Defending Delhi's Oldest Heritage

Webinar Details

Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026

Time: 07:30 PM IST

Host: Shalaish Baisla & Tejbir Mavi

Platform: Zoom (online)

About the Speaker

Shalaish Baisla is a PhD Scholar at the School of Heritage Research & Management, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, and Founder-Director of the Vanyāravali Foundation. His work focuses on landscape archaeology, rock art documentation, and community-led conservation across the Aravalli hills.

Through years of field research, he has documented dozens of previously unreported archaeological sites and pioneered a model where local communities actively protect the heritage that surrounds them.

Tejbir Mavi, born and raised in the foothills of Faridabad, brings an unparalleled knowledge of the Aravalli terrain. His discoveries include the major petroglyph complex of Kot Village, the megaliths found in Kot Village, and the ochre rock paintings of Silakheri. Beyond discovery, he bridges folklore, oral history, and archaeological research, transforming ancient sites into living heritage.

Webinar Focus

• Explore the ecological and cultural significance of the Aravalli range, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world.
• Understand ongoing efforts in documenting archaeological sites, rock art, and hidden heritage landscapes.
• Learn how local communities play a crucial role in conservation and protection.
• Discover challenges posed by urbanisation and environmental pressures.
• Gain insights into how individuals can contribute to preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Speaker’s Vision

Both speakers aim to create awareness about the fragile yet significant Aravalli landscape by combining research, storytelling, and community engagement. Their vision is to inspire collective responsibility towards protecting these ancient ecosystems and preserving them for future generations.

Short Description

Explore the Aravalli hills through stories of discovery, conservation, and community action. Learn how one of the world’s oldest landscapes continues to hold ecological and cultural significance today.

Long Description

Step into the Aravalli landscape—an ancient terrain shaped by time, holding within it stories of human history, biodiversity, and cultural continuity. Despite increasing urban pressures, these hills continue to shelter hidden archaeological sites, rock art, and diverse ecosystems.

This webinar brings together field-based insights and lived experiences, offering a deeper understanding of how documentation, research, and community participation are helping protect these fragile landscapes. From uncovering forgotten sites to connecting them with local narratives, the session highlights the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage.

Through this conversation, participants will gain a renewed perspective on the Aravallis—not just as a geographical feature, but as a living, evolving heritage that requires awareness, respect, and collective action.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Global Wildlife Fair (GWF)