hai shām-e-avadh gesū-e-dildār kā partav
aur sub.h-e-banaras hai ruḳh-e-yār kā partav

The evening in Awadh is the reflection of the beloved’s tresses,
And the morning in Banaras is the reflection of the beloved’s face.

- Wahid Premi

The Taaoos Chaman Archive is a curated collection of oral narratives, songs, performances, and cultural expressions from Awadh. Built through sustained fieldwork and close collaboration with local communities, the archive offers insight into the region’s pluralistic traditions and lived heritage.

This is a living archive; one that respects the evolving nature of oral traditions and the voices of those who carry them. As such, access is granted on request to ensure materials are engaged with thoughtfully and ethically.

If you are a researcher, student, artist, or community member interested in working with the archive, please write to Prof Fauzia Farooqui at fauzia[at]princeton[dot]edu with a brief note including your name, affiliation (if any), area of interest, and how you intend to use the material.

We aim to respond within 10 working days. In some cases, access may be mediated in consultation with community custodians, in keeping with our commitment to responsible and respectful documentation.

For those interested in contributing or collaborating, we welcome your ideas and participation in this growing effort to preserve and share the oral heritage of Awadh.