The Alluring Khurja Pottery Many years ago, when I was doing my internship with a leading publication house in Delhi, I was commissioned to cover a pottery exhibition organized by a close friend of my publisher. I first thought it to be a promotional activity between two friends but that coverage proved to be much more than that. Besides, it impressed...

Weaving a story: Kantha Embroidery Every art form has a story to tell. But none can narrate better than Kantha Embroidery. Known since time immemorial, Kantha work is the best form of personal and artistic expression. What started as a hobby to utilize old and waste fabrics by the rural women of West Bengal became one of the most sought-after crafts of...

The Incredible Inlay Art Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder… But this common adage isn’t true in the case of inlay art. This indigenous art form is capable of leaving everyone spellbound at the first look. Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is a perfect example of marble inlay art. The beautiful art supposedly developed around...

The Grass Art The tableau of Bihar on the theme of ‘Sikki Grass Craft’ during the Republic Day Parade, 2013 in New Delhi. The subsequent year saw the Bihar Pavilion at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi being decorated with Sikki Art during the International Trade Fair, 2014. Both these managed to bring back the disappearing traditional Craft form from Bihar...

Building Blocks One of the most colourful and vibrant states of India, Rajasthan is famous for its rich heritage and cultural background. The rich tradition of Rajasthan is attributed to the influence of majestic Rajputana culture and a number of communities here who are involved in performing some exclusive art and craft activities for decades. In...

Glass paintings I had my first encounter with colourful glass art when I visited Paris many years ago. Home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, Paris combines the magnificence of its architecture with the grace and vivacity of its windows. I was so amazed by the beauty of these stained glasses that depicted the scenes from the Bible,...

The coveted Bandhini art What comes to your mind when the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat are mentioned? The vast stretches of Thar Desert… The mighty Aravali range… Sabarmati River flowing peacefully… Majestic forts and palaces… The energetic dandiya raas… Sumptuous vegetarian thalis… And the vivacious Bandhani or Bandhej sari. The word...

Colour Palette The moment we hear the word ‘Rangoli’, an image of extremely colourful and vibrant patterns decorated on the floors to celebrate an occasion or festivity conjures our mind. Reflecting ethnicity, folklore and traditions of different areas, Rangoli is an expression of gratitude towards Nature and a perfect symbol of beauty, hope, and...

Priceless Pochampally Mesmerizing and intricate geometrical patterns spread all over the fabric. Extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. The rich lustrous look and royal feel perfect for various occasions…. I am talking of none other than Pochampally Ikat. The art of making Pochampally sari or Pochampally Ikat goes back to the 1950s from...

Pride of Telangana Who doesn’t like toys? These attractive and beautiful articles of play amuse children and adults alike. The art of toy making can be seen in every corner of our country aptly making it a land of toys. The tradition of narrating stories through handmade dolls or ‘kathputlis’ is still prevalent in most parts of the country. Often...