The last two years have been most trying on the craft community, the artisans who as per official numbers account for 40% employment within rural India. Whilst the elements of crafts that are part of functional existence still thrive the royal, regal, and rich.
I have had the good fortune to interact with many master craftsmen, artists and weavers who work within Palace Karkhanas under the direct patronage of royal scions who keep the legacy of craft alive. These palace karkhanas have historically housed legendary artist like Nihal Chand (Kishangarh 17th Century), Nain Sukh (Kangra 17h Century) Raja Ravi Varma (Baroda, 18th Century). Keeping this legacy alive are young royals and nobles who have converted parts of their homes that were erstwhile palaces and havelis into craft karkhanas.
Starting 15th September to the evening of 16th September all these heritage fables return to the city of their origin Delhi, telling their heritage fable at Bikaner House, home to the erstwhile royal family of Bikaner.
Royal Fables is my little prayer to keep the luxe side of Indian heritage alive. Something I stumbled upon 10 years ago. A scribe and a craft lover, I kept on meeting young royals who, despite sterling education, took the conscious decision to steer clear of urban living and fast paced careers. Instead they moved back to their roots, living in far flung towns of villages, converting their large homes into heritage homes and, at the same time, taking the legacy of patronage forward.
Hence Princess Vaishnavi Kumari, a SOAS graduate went back to her fort in Kishangarh, found the descendants from Nihal Chand’s family, revived the Kishangarh school of miniature art. Radhika Raje, the Maharani of Baroda invited young designers to get inspired by Ravi Varma artworks to create cushions, throws, art books, museum memorabilia and oelographs from the Baroda school to keep the historic residency alive. The young kunwar of Bera Yaduveer Singh revived the hand tucked hunter jackets, the rani of Baria Jaykirti brought back the beauty of block prints, the Mansa royal family led by Thakurani Darshana Kumari of Mandawa
So setting out, curating yet another year, let me share the top ten things you ought to watch out for in this comeback edition planned, executed and celebrated under the damocles sword of a pandemic:
1. The sheer beauty of Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh’s textile inspired miniature art. It is a veritable must have for any art lover.
2. The rich, embellished collection of jewels for the royals from Sujhal, Gujarat’s best kept secret.
3. The sheer beauty of heirloom pieces crafted by the young costumer Pankaj S who creates sheer magic with hand made tilla, vintage weaves, old tanjore art on textiles, jewelled necklines and the finest resham do taar collections for men.
4. Its time for textile lovers to be spoilt silly for choice. We have a treasure trove to take home: The vibrance of textile exponent Bela Sanghavi, patola’s, ikat and Paithani in silk rubs shoulders with the inimitable gold weave of Mansa, immortalized by Thakurani Darshana Kumari of Mandawa, Kanwarani Ritu Sinhji Wankaner who revives classic designs and gives them a contemporary twist. And to add to that is the first ever presence of Weaver’s Studio, the master weavers platform who step onto the forum for the first time with their vibrant Varanasi looms by Reshma Punj. Rich and regal and perfect for the festive feel.
5. If we speak of royalty can chiffons be left behind? Get festive ready with exquisitely embrodiered chiffons by Kanwarani Dipti Singh of Kacchi Baroda and Kanwarani Geetanjali Shekhawat Jassowala. Or opt for the digital prints by Rani Jaykirti Singh Baria. Couple them with her velvet jackets and capes. And lo and behold, you are an epitome of regalia.
6. We give back to society what society gives us through a dedicated space for varied charities. Urja lead by H.H. Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda opens its first forum outside of Baroda, Giri Foundation that celebrates crafts of the hills brings clusters reviving the delicate Chamba rumal, Maneka Gandhi’s PFA returns with its hand blown glass and you have women from Afghanistan creating sustainable home décor elements with retouched saris and textiles.
7. Every aspect of royal heritage is captured through talks on royal cuisine, patronage, art, philanthropy, beauty rituals etc. Each talk steered by an industry expert. The library at Bikaner House will resonate with strong voices that relive the raj. Including the chat by Uday Pratap Singh in conversation with young royals and their ‘trysy with destiny’.
8. Heritage must be showcased to perfection and we have the top ateleirs participating in a costume parade that comes alive in the Chand Bagh of Bikaner house. Under the crystal sky and the shining stars will be presented 30 hand crafted pieces, modelled by young royals who walk to the tune of Umraa Langa singing with Kamaakshi Khanna
8. Last but not the least is our culinary platform Kitchen of the Kings that once again collaborates with the cloud kitchen of Pracheen, India before 1947 with the cuisine from the royal kithcens of Rampur. Scrumptious curries and kebabs cooked in flavored ghee from Pratap Garh celebrate the erstwhile era.
10. Last but not the least we promise to follow all Covid protocols ensuring the heritage experience is also safe and sound for each of our patrons of heritage.