A LADAKHI LADY DONS HER HEIRLOOM JEWELRY
On the way back from interior Himalayas in September last year, we stopped at a tiny village in Skyurbuchan that had the only restaurant along the way, for a late … Continue reading
Inspired by the Gods – Jain Architecture
God can take one to great heights! I never really believed that until I began witnessing religious art created by inspired people. These works are inspired from deep within the … Continue reading
HALI Article on The Magnificent Perak Headdress of Ladakh
A glimpse of my article appearing in Spring 2014 issue of HALI – the world’s leading magazine focusing on Textile Arts: “Heading off evil at high altitude” on the Perak … Continue reading
Double Sided Embroidery 1 – The Technique
While doing some research on newly acquired textiles with double-sided embroidery from Rajasthan & Swat valley, I came across this fantastic article. The Su double-sided embroidery from China is different … Continue reading
A visit to the ‘Florentine Renaissance Exhibit’ at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
Life is short. With time running out and only a few years left to live (definitely less than 30) I find myself making a stronger effort to make time for … Continue reading
Unparalleled Art in Architecture – Havelis of Jaisalmer
The unparalleled art in the architecture seen in the Havelis of Jaisalmer mesmerizes and leaves the visitor speechless. The spell cast by the beauty of the walls built with stone … Continue reading
Bombay – Meri Jaan
Photos of a few must-see places that are off the beaten path in Bombay-Mumbai – the liveliest city in the world! 1. Banganga – a stepped well born of a … Continue reading
Mumbai – Bombay Diaries
Born, brought up & lived life in the most spirited, most diverse city in the world. A few glimpses of my love for the city can be seen through the … Continue reading
Need a Handmade Iron Tool? Go shop with the Gadaliya Lohar Tribe of Rajasthan
Hand made textiles I can understand – but seeing handmade iron tools on sale brought me face-to-face with my ignorance! As I walked through Jaisalmer, I came across 2 families … Continue reading
Streets of Jaisalmer
One of the best ways to experience a city is to walk through it. And Jaisalmer with its charming architecture, narrow lanes and friendly bystanders is a treat to explore … Continue reading
Welcome to Jaisalmer Homes
Art mixed with daily living, art created within the home, art that cannot be separated from the people or purchased – that art evokes a unique fascination and respect. Indian … Continue reading
TWO WORLDS
Bhil Woman whose lifestyle remains rooted in the past even as her surroundings have moved into the future with the adoption of new technology. Rural Rajasthan, India
Thar Desert Rajasthan – In search of Shade
Man and beast subject to the elements of nature in equal measure. The fragility of the human’s sense of empowerment over nature, is accentuated in the extreme testing conditions such … Continue reading
Thar Desert Rajasthan – Hamlets & Herds
A photo-essay on the little hamlets & goat herds seen in Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. The photos cannot capture the emptiness of the space, or the heat, but they … Continue reading
Thar Desert Rajasthan – Where did the desert go?
A desert is not something that one sees often. So when I planned my trip to Rajasthan, I was excited about seeing the Thar desert (pronounced by local as Thudd) … Continue reading
A Temple of Miracles in the Desert – Tanot Mata Mandir
Locals believe that it was the Goddess Tanot Mata that prevented the bombs from exploding in a war a few decades ago. And the Goddess became famous beyond the local … Continue reading
Royal Cradles of Rajasthan
As I walk through the Mehrangarh Fort Museum hall exhibiting royal cradles, I cannot help but think about babies & nurturing & child-raising, about the tenets of parenting and the … Continue reading
Living with Art – A Home in rural Rajasthan
On a highway outside Jaisalmer, driving at 80kmph, I spot an artistically decorated walled enclave. The driver is instructed to stop. He is first confused about my request to visit … Continue reading
The Caste Fortress
Growing up in cosmopolitan Mumbai we lived very closely with neighbors from various communities, sharing our struggles, our celebrations, our resources, our cooking ingredients, our food and sometimes even clothes … Continue reading
Rajasthan Diaries
The caravan stops again. At Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and the surrounding desert villages! Sand dunes, an abandoned village, mesmerising architecture, a surprising desert-turned-fertile landscape, warm people, and finally an unforgettable meeting … Continue reading
