An Ikat from the current V&A exhibition, Central Asian Ikats from the Rau Collection (showing until March 30 2008). Courtesy V&A

Visitor trails highlighting the history and traditions of South Asian performing arts are to be established at the V&A and Horniman Museums in London.

The project has been awarded a grant of £49,700 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and will be undertaken by volunteers arranged by Ealing-based organisation Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidylaya (PRSSV). Staff members from the two participating museums will also be assisting with the project.

Set up in 1987 and named after an innovative 18th century Indian musician, PRSSV is a charitable trust that undertakes projects involving the performing arts of India as well as other parts of the world, which serve to promote education and understanding.

The Horniman Museum is hosting a major exhibition on the rich musical heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Photo shows an elder from Rungrungba village in Orissa playing the suura koma trumpet at a ritualistic dance. Photo © Rolf Killius

One of the main ideas behind the project is to explore the historic links between traditional South Asian arts and the UK, particularly with regards to how music and dance has developed and how it has influenced western music and dance styles during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Dr Frances Shepherd, Director of PRSSV, said: “It will help to provide a much needed historical context for individuals learning Indian music and dance through our organisation and others in the UK.”

As part of the heritage trails the V&A will be displaying Indian bronze statues of musicians playing lutes, and a collection of early 17th century miniature paintings depicting the God of Dance from Tamil Nadu. On display at the Horniman will be carved wooden deities playing instruments acquired from the Indian Colonial exhibition in 1880.