Ayodhya is possibly one of the most historic cities of India. The proverbial birthplace of Lord Rama and also the kingdom where the fabled Ramayana played out in the mythical time. Cut to modern times and you will find residing in the Raj Bhavan of the city the very cultured and well-read family of the Mishras, the erstwhile rulers of Ayodhya.
We chat today with Princess Manjari Mishra, the scion who, along with her author brother Yatindra Mishra, has kept the flag of royal refinement flying high.
Calling her life in Ayodhya one that is “wrapped in culture”, she admits that she was “lucky to be born in a family that values its heritage. Our initiation into the arts began right when we were children”. Born in Avadh, a region known for its culture, Manjari says that she saw art in every aspect of her life and was brought up to wholeheartedly appreciate it.
“Avadh is popularly known for its tradition of handwork: The aari, zardozi chikankari artisan, many of whom lived in Ayodhya, Faizabad and served many generations of the family.” However, in the absence of work locally, Manjari saw them moving away from Ayodhya to other cities in quest of a livelihood.
Manjari bemoans the total lack of refinement in what she sees in the market. “I would keep cribbing about this till one day my brother told me, ‘Stop complaining and start creating something. Start a workshop that can employ these artisans’.” And, hence was born her craft project “Shilp Manjari” under which she helps many beaders — mostly Muslims — find a means of livelihood.
It is interesting to note that her father, Raja Bimlendra Singh of Ayodhya, is the custodian of the Ram temple and the chairman of the Trust. Yet, Manjari employs mostly Muslim kaarigars. “Because this is a craft they are masters of. Avadh is known for its tolerance, its Ganga-Jamuni culture that was born under the rulership of Wajid Ali Shah. He supported each of his Talukdars, whether Hindu or Muslim.” And that tradition continues in Mishra’s home still.
A proud resident of the first family of Ayodhya, she insists that this city is truly a divine place where every religion co-exists in harmony. She smiles and adds, “We all know this as Lord Rama’s land. But what we don’t know is that the Buddhists see this as a city where Gautam Buddha spent many of his meditative years. It’s also the birth place of five Jain gurus. Guru Gobindji also spent years in Ayodhya and the four corners of the city hold four Sufi shrines.”
And she is not pleased when the city “pops up in the news for all the wrong things”. She adds, “As its proud citizen I invite every Indian to come to Ayodhya and witness this town’s rich culture, its warmth and hospitality.”