In a major initiative, the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust (MSMS II) is organising a two-day exposition of the arts, crafts as well as heritage properties and travel destinations of Rajasthan.
Entitled as the Treasures of Rajasthan, the event will be organised at the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi on November 5 and 6 from 10 am to 6 pm.
The proceeds of the exhibition will go to the revival of the languishing arts and crafts of MSMS II. This was informed by the secretary and managing trustee of Museum Trust, Princess Diya Kumari on Saturday at a press conference in City Palace.
She said this is for the first time that the Museum has organised a show outside Rajasthan.
On the occasion additional director tourism, Rajasthan government, H V Bhatnagar and the organiser of the exhibition, Gunjan Mubayi were also present.
The event will be jointly inaugurated by tourism minister for Rajasthan, Bina Kak, Princess Diya Kumari and wife of the Egyptian Ambassador, Mona el Bakly.
The two main sponsors for the exposition are the department of tourism, Rajasthan government and IndusInd Bank.
The Princess said that this is a small beginning in showcasing the arts and crafts of Rajasthan beyond just Jaipur and the State.
By being displayed in the National Capital, she said that the arts and crafts persons will get a much wider exposure and audience. She informed that Jaipur’s Royal Family has always been extending patronage to the arts and crafts of the State.
In the 18th century Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had setup 36 karkhanas, or 36 state-patronised ateliers of different arts and crafts. However, due to inadequacy of resources, many of the karkhanas started declining.
However, in 1997 the successor of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II – Late Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur revived some of these karkhanas.
A space within the Mubarak Mahal Courtyard of the City Palace was created for nationally honoured and internationally acclaimed master craftsmen, their disciples and family members. They were thus given a platform to carry on their crafts.
Known as the ‘Friends of the Museum’, space was provided here to craftsmen in fields like painting, enamelling, blue pottery, tarkeshi, laquer products like bangles, hand-made paper, jewellery and other handicrafts. Apart from selling their products to visitors, the craftspersons also demonstrate their skills to visitors coming to City Palace and the Museum.
Two days before the event on November 3, a Friends of the Royals Dinner is being hosted at the Leela Palace in New Delhi. A fashion show by Raghuvendra Rathore and music by the ethnic band, Rajasthan Roots will be the special features of the evening.
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