Royal Warehouse

Work on the exhibition began in July,to make sure that it could be held before Diwali. Madhukar says the hardest part was to put together the list of the royal family members. “It did take a little time to conceptualise and get the members together but once they saw the concept,they were excited. There were a few who even called to participate,” she said.

Participants who are showcasing exotic handicrafts of their respective states include Diya Kumari of Jaipur,Shubhangi Raje of Baroda,Priti Singh Kuchaman,Sushma Kumari of Sehaspur Behlari,Jyotsna Singh of Jammu & Kashmir,Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh,and Jayanandini Singh of Palithi and Gautam Rana and Rajni Mallah of Nepal,among others. Most of these former royals say that their decision to participate came from the desire to create awareness about dying art forms of their states or provinces. The young Vaishnavi Kumari for instance,has brought a selection of 35 paintings and sketches made by Kishangarh artisans. “I would like to create visibility for these artisans and help preserve the art form,” she says. Preeti Singh of Kuchaman,Rajasthan,has on show a bunch of quilted bed covers,quilts,stoles,scarves and tabel linen,done in a delightful mix of fabrics in her Sunder Nagar studio. Incidentally,this marks her debut at a public exhibition in India. “ It’s all about companionship. I wanted to come out and join others in this venture,” she says shyly. Singh has participated in private exhibitions in Europe earlier.

A keen artist,Jyotsna Singh of Kashmir,daughter of Karan Singh,is showcasing a selection of terracotta wall-pieces,enamelled boxes and sculptures. A trained potter and the secretary of The Enamellist Society of India,Singh says,“I have been practising pottery for the past 15 years and shown several times at the Habitat Centre. We also have our annual group shows at Alliance Francaise Delhi,” she says,adding,“I started with enamelling four years back,when I came across an ad in the newspaper.” Her works are priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 15,000.

Gautam Rana of Nepal,grandson of SJB Rana,along with his cousin Rajni Malla,has brought a line of Cashmere shawls,stoles,blankets and plush cushion covers. “They are the kind a wealthy,pot-bellied Sheikh will use,” smiles Rana,who runs Babber Mahal Revisited,a former palace complex of seven historic courtyards and lanes that has been turned into a shopping and dining centre. Malla,a fashion designer,has churned out a Renaissance line,largely a collection of 60 cashmere shawls and art deco jewellery for the exhibition. “We are glad to be showing here with our Rajput cousins,” laughed Rana.

These apart,there are also heirloom saris from Baroda brought by Shubhangi Raje Gaekwad,elegant neckpieces,bracelets and earrings by Pushpita Singh from Bikaner,leharia saris and blue pottery from Jaipur.

The exhibition is on till October 23,from 11 am to 7 pm.