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
textile
Made in India: Cultural innovations that rocked the world
Big ideas in music, food and architecture that were born in India
Mata Ni Pachedi, Bahuchara Mata
This Mata-ni-Pachedi venerates the Bahuchara Mata, depicted sitting on a rooster. Two diminutive goddesses flank her on either side. Benevolent protector of India’s hijra community, the Bahuchara Mata or Becharaji is most commonly portrayed seated on a rooster. The bird represents virility and devotees of the goddess seek help with infertility, among other maladies. Historically,… Read more »
Mata Ni Pachedi, Hadkai Mata
This Mata-ni-Pachedi celebrates and venerates the Hadkai Mata, depicted standing on a large chariot shrine pulled by four dogs. Goddess Hadkai, also known as Hadkamai, Hadaksha, Hadkabai and Hulan, is the Goddess who protects against rabies. Rabies is a real and present danger due to the large population of dogs that live in and around… Read more »
La Mode De Calcutta
The fashion evolution and textile legacy of Calcutta and the Bengal Presidency
Inside India’s Great Traditional Karkhanas
Ten incredible styles of painting, sculpting and weaving that wouldn’t have existed without these visionary royal patrons