At Poonam’s House, our journey over the past 20 years has always been about celebrating the intricate beauty of Indian textiles and the remarkable artisans behind them. But our love for Indian craftsmanship goes beyond textiles alone. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of working with artisans who specialize in jewelry, steel, horn, wood, and more. Every time I travel through India, I am reminded of the immense creativity that lives within this country, which continues to inspire not only me but countless others around the world.
My recent travels through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh were no exception. As I journeyed through the western regions of Maharashtra and then deeper into Madhya Pradesh, I found myself exploring a stunning array of art from different periods. Some of it was religious, some architectural, and of course, textiles—each element weaving together to form a breathtaking bouquet of inspiration.
One stop in particular stood out: the town of Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, a place I hadn’t expected to leave such a lasting impression. This city, founded in 1388 by the Faruqi dynasty, has played an important role in Indian history, yet it often goes unnoticed. Perhaps most notably, it was here that Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, passed away while giving birth to their 14th child. Their love story, immortalized by the Taj Mahal, could have had a very different setting—Shah Jahan originally planned to build the iconic structure here in Burhanpur, on the banks of the Tapti River. However, the river wasn’t wide enough to reflect the full grandeur of the Taj, leading the emperor to select a new location in Agra, 800 kilometers to the north.
But as the guide pulled out his flashlight and opened a few windows, everything changed. What had looked like a simple space suddenly revealed itself as an extraordinary work of art. The hammam was a masterpiece of design and function, with a complex system of hot and cold water mixing that had been in place for centuries. Marble fountains beautifully carved to make the sound of the rushing water mesmerising, Hot and cold water went into the submerged bath in the middle of the room. Ceiling was adorned with faded blues and greens—frescoes that hadn’t been touched for over 500 years. The craftsmanship was exquisite, yet it was clear the space was in desperate need of restoration.
As I stood there, surrounded by centuries-old artistry, my thoughts turned to the people who had made this possible. We know the grand story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, but what about the artisans who shaped these beautiful spaces? Their hands and their vision were responsible for creating something so intricate and enduring. These unknown artists are the true heart of India’s creative spirit, continuing to inspire us today just as they did centuries ago.
This experience reminded me of why I feel so passionate about Indian craftsmanship and textile design. Every stitch, every pattern, and every motif tell a story—sometimes of royalty, sometimes of everyday life, but always of remarkable skill. There are so many places in India, like Burhanpur, that are brimming with hidden artistic treasures just waiting to be discovered. It’s often in the unlikeliest of places where we find the most profound inspiration.
At Poonam’s House, we strive to bring the stories of these artisans to life, celebrating their work and sharing it with the world. Whether it’s textiles, jewellery, or woodwork, we are constantly amazed by the beauty they create, and we feel privileged to be a part of their journey. The hammam at Burhanpur is just one example of the incredible craftsmanship that lies beneath the surface of India’s rich history—an example of how the art of the past continues to shape the present and inspire the future.
For anyone passionate about textile design or simply drawn to the beauty of handmade art, India is an endless source of inspiration. From the bustling cities to the quiet, forgotten towns like Burhanpur, there is so much waiting to be explored—and so many artisans whose work deserves to be celebrated.
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