Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - City
A dip into the royal world
Here’s an exhibition in the Capital that aims to revive Indian heritage and traditions
Be it textile, art, architecture, secrets from the royal kitchens or jewels, each item crafted in the royal palaces around India entails a historical and cultural significance. But generation after generation, unfortunately, a part of it gets lost. So it becomes even more essential that we take measures to revive this rich culture and preserve it for the future generation.
Fortunately, there are a few royal families in the country, who are devoting themselves to preserving this lost heritage. At a soon-to-begin exhibition, Royal Fables, in the city, one can witness craft patrons from the royal descent, revive regal designs, and art for the modern-day collector. With 24 palace karkhanas present their festive collections along with 20 heritage-inspired designers, whose sensibilities and creativity dates back to exploring the regal treasure trove of designs that India once was.
“As a young royal, I think conservation of our inherited legacy is of utmost importance. Our ancestors hosted art residencies, they promoted local craft, and sustained master artists.... as their scions, the least we can do is to cherish this treasure. At Laxmi Vilas Palace, we take great pride in our Raja Ravi Varma collection and we present modern-day art objects inspired by this legacy,” says Radhika Raje Gaekwad, Maharani of Baroda.
Another reason for reviving this culture is to provide livelihood to the woman in their region. “Besides craft, many of us also help provide livelihood to the women of our region, and I am so happy that every organic cotton ensemble made by Rosetree is done by a group of women in Seohara. In my own way, I have made these women stand on their feet,” says Rani Kamini Singh of Seohara.
During the two-day long event, you can find pop art that pays an ode to the traditional miniatures from the Kishangarh School of Art by Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh. “Pichwai art is integral to Kishangarh. My family is responsible for nurturing a school of miniature artists who captured images on canvas as we would on our camera. I am trying to recreate this art form in a modern, pop art forum,” says Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh.
Also, the pictorial art of Kangra, miniatures and Tibetan art by Tikarani Shailja Katoch of Lambragaon, finejewellery inspired by the royal heritage by Kanwarani Meghna Singh Deo Bolangir, among many others will bring back the lost royal culture at this exhibition. Besides the royals, others inspired by the culture who will also exhibit their works includes Nirmal Salvi — who has original Patan Patola and double Ikat — and designer Madhu Jain, who will showcase her Ikat works.