KHAKI Talk 62: #RoyalRevival - Arts & Crafts of Sawantwadi by Shraddha & Lakham Sawant Bhonsle

The craft of lacquerware was introduced in Sawantwadi at the end of the 17th century. The craft and the community of artisans both flourished under the royal patronage of the rulers of Sawantwadi. In 1971, Sawantwadi’s last royal rulers H.H. Shivamraje Bhonsle and his wife H.H. Satvashiladevi Bhonsle established Sawantwadi Lacquerwares and led a revival of this dying craft. Sawantwadi Lacquerwares today produces hand-painted and lacquered utility items, board games, Ganjifa cards and playing cards. At our Online Talk #RoyalRevival, Lakham Sawant Bhonsle, the scion of the erstwhile ruling family, and his wife Shraddha talk about their mission to uphold the legacy of their grandparents, the Rajasaheb and the Rajmata, and take it further to realise its full potential.

Lakham Sawant Bhonsle is the grandson of H.H. Shivamraje Bhonsle. He and his wife Shraddha, both chefs by profession, reside in Sawantwadi where they are working on opening a boutique hotel around the theme of Sawantwadi’s tradtional lacquerware and Ganjifa cards in the Rajwada.

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