Rare Fabric: Gujarat’s lesser-known textile traditions
Shilpa Shah of the TAPI Collection shares generous insights—and stunning objects—that tell us a vivid story of Gujarat’s cultural tapestry
History of Style
Dancing Queens
When Sarmaya got the chance to host an event with two of the most celebrated figures in Indian dance, we knew we had to push the envelope. We partnered with the dance company beej to bring Mallika Sarabhai and Anita Ratnam to Mumbai and engage them in a conversation about the transformative power of dance.… Read more »
Kandangi Weaves – A History of the Famous Chettinad Sari
What can a textile tradition tell us about a now-forgotten way of life? We pick the instantly recognisable Chettinad sari and investigate its glorious past and fragile present
Jewel In The Crown – The Most Exquisite Jewellery Owned by Indian Royalty
From the Nizam’s jewels to the Maharaja of Kapurthala’s Cartier headdress, we dive for gems among Sarmaya’s treasure trove of rare 19th-century photographs
History of Style
Class, caste, gender, faith, community, identity. We give away so much of who we through what we wear. Looking at 19th-century photographs and watercolour portraits from the Indian subcontinent, it might seem like our ancestors dressed more conservatively, seeking to hide everything but their social status which they wore like an armour. But we can… Read more »