Writing and Documentation

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Writing for TOSS The Sheet, documenting crafts of Jaipur, India.

For their first publication, I co-researched and documented natural dying practices in Jaipur and wrote an article,

“To Dye For” featuring homegrown designers and manufacturers.

Extract from “To Dye For”


A sporadic shift can be witnessed in the Indian fashion industry lately. For the first time in years, it is not just about trends, fads, and fast fashion anymore as we look for something more lasting, more ethical, and more sustainable. Given the illustrious glossary of Indian handlooms, this is a moment that must have, in fact, been the norm in India. However, the fact that we are finally out of our long careless slumber would suffice for now to wage the war between the easy and ethical.

Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of old Jaipur markets and you will know what we mean. As you look around, you are sure to be bedazzled by an array of block print fabrics. However, before you get two swayed, here’s something that you ought to know - most of these fabrics are done in artificial dyes and thus lack the authenticity of the glorious Sanganeri, Bagru, etc. craft of Rajasthan which saw its inception in natural dyes.

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Writing for TOSS The Sheet, documenting crafts of Jaipur, India.

For their first publication, I co-researched and documented making of lac bangles at Maniharon ka Rasta in Jaipur and wrote an article,

“The Bangle’s Circle of Life” expatiating on the last family of lac bangle makers, their history and traditional practise of this craft.

Extract from “The Bangle’s Circle of Life”

Bangles are one of civilization’s oldest forms of jewellery. Remember the iconic Dancing Girl of the Indus Valley civilization from the site of Mohenjo Daro (in modern-day Sindh, Pakistan)? The hands of this bronze sculpture, dating back to around 2500 BCE, are adorned with bangles. History tells us that this piece of jewellery has travelled through centuries, being crafted variously of terracotta, shell, wood to glass and metals. From the period of Harappans and Mauryans to modern times, the bangles have been an important part of the Indian culture and traditions.

But did you know, an old narrow lane amidst the busy markets of Jaipur is famous for its special kind of handmade bangles? The Maniharon ka Rasta in Tripolia Bazar at Jaipur is home to the community of bangle makers, Manihars, who craft the beautiful lac bangles in the city. A craft which was patronised by the royal court of Jaipur, the lac bangles today are one of the most remarkable handicrafts of the city.