Gajner Palace, Bikaner.

Gajner Palace in Bikaner was our second destination after experiencing the havelis in Mandawa, Shekhawati.

As we entered the palace premises, we knew we were in for a royal experience:-)

Gajner Palace was built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji, the dynamic ruler of Bikaner. The architecture is a unique blend of traditional Rajput sandstone carvings on the exterior and the interiors styled in a typical late 19th century European country houses.

Beautiful traditional metal pots lining the steps leading to the reception.

Gajner Palace is constructed along the embankment of a lake. The Palace grounds are a private wildlife sanctuary.

It was so beautiful to sit along the side of the lake and watch many migratory water birds:-)

The huge central courtyard with lush green trees.

Floating flowers always have my full attention:-)

...and the attention of the parrots too:-) What a lovely sight it was!

Gajner Palace used to be a hunting resort used by former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj.

The view of the lake from our room.

Stunning floor tiles in the corridor leading to the colonial-style rooms.

Another view of stunning architecture.

The dusk at the palace was breath-taking.

We were in for more surprises when the central courtyard was lit with a huge bonfire and Rajasthani folk singers singing the songs of the desert. What a beautiful winter night it was!

The Gajner Palace is now part of HRH Group of Hotels, who have restored the palace as well as the surroundings and is today one of the most beautiful heritage hotels in Bikaner, Rajathan.

(images by Arch)

the ants~ crafting traditions

the ants store in Bangalore is part of the ant ~the action northeast trust.

A voluntary organization based in Assam, that has merged traditional designs with modern sensibilities through its Aagor cottons and Endy silk products for many years.

Taking the success story forward, the ant has now launched a new initiative of bringing positive stories from Northeast and similar forgotten communities.

I was so glad I went to this beautiful store, lucky me I had my trusty point & shoot camera in my handbag and one of the store owners Pradeep Krishnappa was kind enough to allow me to shoot:-) The other owner being Smita Murthy. Together they have created an amazing store. So here are some beautiful handcrafted products from the ants store.

The store displays some stunning woven textiles by the Bodo community as well as Naga women.

Black pottery from Nagaland is so beautifully displayed all over the store.

Drool-worthy handcrafted jewellery!

They have a lovely range of kurtas, skirts, tops, stoles and belts.

Details of the woven fabrics.

The lovely, shiny, black pottery:-) Take your pick!

Hi there~ A Selfie of sorts;-)

Textile bound notebooks.

Loads of wooven Kauna Reed baskets from Manipur.

Home furnishings made out of the woven fabrics.

Hope you enjoyed the store tour:-) Do visit it if you are in Bangalore.

The store is located at

2023/b, 1st Cross, 14th A Main

HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar

Bangalore-38

Tel: 080-41715639

email: bangstore@theant.org

(images by Arch)

Finally...

Priya Sebastian's 'After a shampoo' charcoal self-portrait adorns one of the orange walls at home!

You can see more of her amazing work here, her beautiful home here and visit her at 'The Plum Tree'

Matsya

I am a big lover of Indian art & crafts and when I came across Matsya, I was completely amazed by the lovely products created by artisans from various parts of India.

Jat Embroidery pouches.

Matsya~ Is a venture started by Neha Gandhi, an artist, potter & a craft lover. Neha studied at Sir. J.J School of Art, Mumbai and then went on to learn studio pottery in Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry. Her love for the rich art & crafts of India took her to Maharashtra & Gujarat where she used her creativity to work closely with various artisans.

Matsya is a platform through which Neha wants to create awareness about artisans' life, their culture and age old traditions by featuring the artisans stories about their skills, time and creativity they invest into the craft. Also how our purchasing choices directly impact the livelihoods of thousands artisans and the survival of generations old traditions.

Stunning hand embroidery.

Neha says,"Our goal is to showcase the natural beauty and workmanship in Indian arts and craft by presenting them in contemporary style and form. By doing so, we offer original art that all of us can relate to. They serve as a reminder of our roots, to everything that we have been and therefore are even now."

Hand painted local terracotta pottery.

Here is a collection of some of the many art & crafts at Matsya

Beautiful wooden lacquer craft ladles.

Intricate embroidery by artisans from Kutch.

Leather pouches.

Patchwork Quilts

Block print bags

Jain Keri design on contemporary cushions.

Ceramic Urli.

Hand painted Coffee Mugs

Handcrafted Coffee Mugs & Madhubani coasters.

Jain Art on a pen stand.

In addition to displaying innovative uses and designs of traditional crafts at Matsya, They retail & take corporate orders of an assorted variety of stunning products.

You can get in touch with them at matsya.crafts@gmail.com or become a fan of Matsya Crafts on Facebook to get updates on their various products & events.

(images by Neha Gandhi)