In Rajasthan, India 40 to 50 families of cotton quilt makers were patronized by the Kuchaman Royal family. However, after Independence, due to change in time, it was difficult for the family to provide sufficient work to these families. 16th century Kuchaman Fort and Palace has been the inspiration for “Kuchaman Fort” which has evolved since 1989 when the daughter of erstwhile Raja Pratap Singh, Priti Singh Kuchaman started work with artisans, with the idea of reviving the dwindling crafts of her state and giving employment to the women folk.
Priti Singh Kuchaman is the last descendant of the famed Mira Bai, who gave up the ways of the world to the blissful devotion of Lord Krishna. Kuchaman has also been blessed with visits from the great saint Sri Anandamayee Ma. The heirs of Kuchaman have absorbed the many layers of memories, traditions and art to give expression to the products of “Kuchaman Fort”. The theme that runs across all the products is “traditional art which is contemporized without losing its cultural heritage”.
Today products range from quilts, throws, cushions, quilted table cloths, quilted curtains, quilted cushions, silver objects, shawls, stoles and scarves. “Kuchaman Fort” specializes in fine quilting on wide array of textiles both antique and contemporary from different parts of India. Textiles used are linen, chikan work, silk, tafetta, satin, mushroo (atlas), velvet, cotton, voil (malmal), wool etc. “Kuchaman Fort” products have an international appeal which lures both international and Indian clientele some of whom include Princess Michael of Kent, Maharani of Tripura, Vasundhara Raje Scindia of Gwalior, Interior decorators and designers Verde Visconti, Vera Santa Domingo, Esther Giobbi, Mica Ertugun, Jean – Louis Scherrer, Christian Louboutin, Countess Gaia Franchetti of Indoroma, Diane von Furstenberg, Indian designers Abujani and Sandeep, internationally well known photographer Robert Polidori, Rothschilds and international chain of hotels Aman Resorts in Rajasthan.
