Abandoned Artistry: Celebrating the Mughal era through the 'Charpai'

The Mughal Era in India saw the country’s artisan industry flourishing like never before, with a distinct style of design. However, the arrival of European colonisers violently transformed this artistic landscape, compelling Indian craftspeople to reflect the aesthetic preferences of their rulers, leading to hybrid styles such as Indo-Dutch and Indo-Portuguese. With ‘Abandoned Artistry’, Gaurav Jhangiani seeks to rediscover and honour the lost treasures of the Mughal era by focusing on a typology of woven bed known as the Charpai, paired with tapestries that narrate the tale of British colonial rule and the subsequent transition away from traditional Indian furniture. Displayed together, Gaurav seeks to reclaim the essence of India’s unique artistic heritage, and celebrate its enduring legacy.