(November 21, 2022) Situated about 100 kilometres from Jaipur, Kishangarh is a small town caught in time. Urban lanes with artistic buildings on either side paint the town unique. But it is not this town that I want to talk about, but its Rajkumari. Princess Vaishnavi, the present-day scion of Kishangarh, has given patronage to several local artists to save the world-famed miniature paintings from Rajasthan. An alum of the British Museum, the princess established Studio Kishangarh in 2010, inspired by the 350-year-old Kishangarh School, the studio produces work deeply influenced by Radha Krishna bhakti and the splendour of the natural beauty around Kishangarh.
Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh
With her training in design and art history, Vaishvani endeavours to bring Kishangarh art to a global audience. “For me art is all about preserving heritage and continuation,” shares the princess, as she connects with Global Indian, adding, “There is so much art and craft in this country, and some of them – unfortunately – are dying and need patronage. While it is upon the ancient royal houses, big industrialists, and the government to save these art forms and artisans, I think everyone, in their own way, can contribute to saving the country’s culture and heritage.”
Inspired by art
Born in royalty, the princess was always mesmerised by the art that surrounded her. Some of her most cherished childhood memories are those of the festivals her family celebrated in the Kishangarh Fort. Vaishnavi studied at the Mayo College Girls’ School, situated in Ajmer, and later attended the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi. “Growing up my life was no different than any other kid in this country. I went to a boarding school where kids from various backgrounds come to study. It was the same during my college as well. So, I have a very normal upbringing,” laughs the princess.
The princess, who is also an alumnus of the British Museum where she did a short course in art history, has been inspired by her ancestors, who have passionately promoted art and heritage. “Kishangarh was not a huge kingdom like the other Rajputana states, such as Jodhpur and Jaipur. My forefathers were quite culturally inclined. One of my ancestors is Rajput prince Savant Singh, who is also known as the Poet Prince. He is famous for commissioning beautiful works of miniature painting and composing devotional (bhakti) poetry to Krishna under the nom de plume Nagaridas. My great-great-great grandfather, Sir Madan Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Kishangarh, took part in the World War I. After he came back from the war, the family did a Hindola, which was a big celebration and we still continue to do it every year. I have grown up hearing the stories of such great people and my family’s history. So, these things really inspired me to pursue a career in art history,” she shares.
Artisans at Studio Kishangarh use miniature paintings and Picchwai techniques in a modern way
After finishing her graduation, Vaishnavi pursued post-graduation in art and archaeology at SOAS University, UK where she studied Asian art. Speaking about how that changed her perspective, the princess states, “When I did the diploma from the British Museum, I had access to various art forms that were not even on display. That was an eye-opening experience for me. At SOAS, I concentrated my studies on Indian temples and Buddhist studies. From an academic perspective, Westerners see art from a study point of view. For example, when they see a sculpture of Shiva and Parvati, they talk about its iconography, history, and political implications of it. So, it gave me a new perspective on Indian art and culture.”
Taking her legacy forward
After returning to India, the princess wanted to work around art. While she was looking at a starting point when she stumbled upon the rich history of arts and artisans in Kishangarh, who would make top-quality products, including paper and soap. “Our old staff would tell me stories about how the bandej of Kishangarh was so famous that some of the material was used in the movie Mother India. They informed me about the paper and soap makers from Kishangarh were also very well known. I tried to find these soap and paper makers but could find none. With time, many of the traditional art forms have died. Fortunately, however, I was able to find the famed miniature painters. At that time, they would paint on furniture that was to be exported. I got them together and started a studio – where we do not pay them per piece, but give them stable employment.”
Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh and Kumar Saaheb Padmanabh Jadeja of Gondal
And thus, Studio Kishangarh was born. An amalgamation of old aesthetics and techniques with new materials and concepts, the studio, which currently employs five to eight painters, uses miniature paintings and Picchwai techniques in a modern way. The artists work on contemporary pieces, taking inspiration from the royal collection, the architecture of the forts and palaces of Kishangarh, and devotional poetry. “Historically, Kishangarh has been famous for miniature paintings. So, I didn’t want our artists to just copy the old paintings. We started experimenting with various mediums and creating new paintings. In fact, we were the first people to the Kamdhenu cow series – and now you see them everywhere,” shares the princess. The art forms made by the painters at the studio are sold online through their official website, ensuring a stable livelihood for the artists and a way for them to keep exploring their art. The Royal house also hosts and participates in various art exhibitions across the country.
The princess, who involves herself quite actively in the proceedings of the studio, has expansive plans. “I give the ideas and concepts to our artisans. Traditionally, an art karkhana under the Mughal or Rajputana court was a premises based on the patronage of the king. So, I wanted to do something similar with Studio Kishangarh, to preserve miniature paintings and their artists, and to evolve them into a contemporary art form. We wish to leave some heritage and ideas behind for the next generations to come. I wish to expand the studio and eventually start an art school,” expresses the princess.
- Follow Princess Vaishnavi on Instagram
- Follow Studio Kishangarh on Instagram, Facebook and their website
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