India, Egypt bond over Rajasthan`s crafts

New Delhi: Egypt and India have forged a new cultural connect with a showcase of Indian crafts and heritage, ‘Treasures of Rajasthan’ which will open Monday at the Egyptian embassy in the capital. The two-day exhibition will display textiles, saris, jewelry, marble objects d` art, furniture, blue pottery, block printed textiles, hand made paper, miniature paintings and lacquer products from Jaipur. The exhibition is collaboration between erstwhile royal Diya Kumari of Jaipur under the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust and the Embassy of Egypt. The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust is supported by the government of Rajasthan. Announcing the showcase, Diya Kumari said the showcase will play host to top brands from the state like Hot Pink, Tana Bana, Swati Ubroi specialising in Gota Patti work, designer Monisha Tharyamal, Mangalmayee, Dori, Rukmani Boutique known for its Leheriya textiles, Rasa for Home Decor and Linen, Gems Paradise famous for its exquisite jewellery, Mayur Arts & Crafts for Antiques and Handicrafts amongst others. The travel and hospitality sector will also showcase the best that the state has to offer, for both domestic and international tourists, in luxury and adventure segments. "The state of Rajasthan is like a rich trunk full of rare treasures, some that have gone forward with the tides of time, some which are languishing for want of support. Treasures of Rajasthan is my way of bringing the dying crafts alive and continuing a family tradition of promoting art and crafts, started way back in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, who set up 36 `karkhana` or state patronized ateliers of different crafts. I feel duty bound to preserve and promote my cultural inheritance," Diya Kumari said. The scion of the former Jaipur royal family said the government was contributing to promote the crafts and arts of Jaipur, together with the former royal family. "Arts and crafts are so important to help promoting tourism because so many people come to Jaipur to shop," Diya Kumari said. The showcase aims to promote the state to domestic tourists, who account for 80 percent of tourism in India, and to diplomats. IANS