Culture

stories, features and interviews that matter

  • Bandhej’s Archana Shah on Turning Passion into Profession

    Feb 7, 2017

    In conversation with one of India’s pioneers in sustainable and handcrafted fashion – about blending the traditional with the new, contesting homogeneity and re-purposing crafts. Exquisite fabrics are tastefully arranged in an elegantly designed room. Wherever the eye looks, it…

  • The Magestic Land of Kachchh

    Oct 6, 2016

    The word Kachchh evokes an image of vast spaces, salty marshes the sea, of hills and grasslands, of ever smiling people wearing beautiful clothes, crafts, and jewellery. The word itself hails from the name of the turtle –‘kachchua’, because when…

  • Ahmedabad Heritage Entrepreneurs #2

    Apr 30, 2016

    In continuation from Ahmedabad Heritage Entrepreneurs #1  Sarkhej Roza Women’s Collective The collective was formed in December 2013 and is the brainchild of Bhavna Ramrakhinai. The monument of Sarkhej Roza and the people around it were the inspiration for starting…

  • Ahmedabad’s Heritage Entrepreneurs #1

    Apr 27, 2016

    Ahmedabad the city is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. It is a land of business and innovation. In such a space where entrepreneurial spirit thrives, why would heritage entrepreneurs be far behind? In the recently held exhibition of the Ahmedabad…

  • Ahmedabad’s very own treasure trove- Calico Museum

    Apr 23, 2016

    All our Grandmothers have that exclusive treasure chest, something where they keep their most prized possessions. A trunk they open only on special occasions, something which holds things most dear and precious to them. The opening of the chest is…

  • Keeping the Mahajan Tradition alive – Introducing Mithun Shah

    Apr 11, 2016

    Close to two decades, and this young entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, gets up every morning, with the solitary objective of creating value for the society. “No doubt, capital is lifeless, but not the capitalists who are amenable to conversion.” – MK Gandhi…

  • The dying art of shoe-making

    Mar 11, 2016

    If you are walking around the labyrinth streets of ghee kanta, ask for Dahya kaka’s shop and even a stone would direct you. And if you decide to ask a human, be ready for the counter question – ‘Dahya kaka…

  • Ever had a meal in a bronze plate?!

    Mar 2, 2016

    Hung on the walls or tastefully displayed on raised platforms, the minute you enter Shihor market, your eyes will only see hundreds and thousands of utensils made from Kaansa (bronze). Known for copper-ware and brass-ware, this town is situated in…

  • A 700 year old story

    Dec 15, 2016

    Like crafts worldwide, the traditional textile industry has lost relevance due to globalization. Handmade textiles are quickly becoming a dying art. Scarcity of workers, lack of buyers and cost related to the manufacturing have made things worst. Gujarat is now…