Adding a royal touch to The Economic Times Women’s Forum was Vaishnavi Kumari of the erstwhile royal family of Kishangarh, Rajasthan. Dressed in a flowy black kurta and pants with a printed long jacket that added a dash of colour, Vaishnavi spoke of building a modern-day legacy and taking on the role of an art patron in the state her ancestors once governed.
But first: what does it mean to be a modern 21st century princess? “Many times, when I interact with people, especially in larger cities, I often get asked where’s your crown. To that, I say that this is not Frozen,” Vaishnavi said.
Moving on to the subject of being heirs, she said, “Unlike most places, my sister and I, just us two girls [no male heirs], are the custodians of our culture. We have the responsibility of taking our legacy forward. Fortunately, both our parents instilled in us a tremendous sense of empowerment.”
Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh royal family
Kishangarh is renowned for its unique style of miniature painting. A style Vaishnavi hopes to preserve through Studio Kishangarh, founded in 2010. Working with artists and their families, the studio hopes to bring a contemporary touch to the traditional art form.
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“All princely states and royal families patronised the arts. But because of advancements in technology and lack of patronage, many art forms are dying. In the handicrafts space, it’s the relationship between the patron and the artisan that is key. The collaborative effort produces beautiful pieces,” Vaishnavi said.
A graduate from institutions like National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, Vaishnavi brought academic rigour to the initiative. That, mixed with her natural inclination towards art and aesthetics, has helped her realise that we “live in a large world but can think locally”.
Before signing off, the most obvious question. Any political ambitions? “Yes, at some point in time, but not now. Eventually perhaps,” she said.
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