In 2023, over a few months, TVAM Foundation undertook an in depth on-field exercise of photographing, documenting and studying the textiles on display and in the archives of Shri Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara, Shri Bhavani Museum and Library in Aundh, and the Nagpur Central Museum in Nagpur. The documentation was then donated to the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums as a digital and printed archive. From these three collections, specifically the Paithani objects, were chosen for the Kāth Padar exhibition.
Kāth Padar — Paithani & Beyond, the first-ever exhibition in Paithan of historical Paithani textiles, was organised by TVAM Foundation in association with The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra at Shri Balasaheb Patil Government Museum, Paithan, Maharashtra. Initially scheduled from the 20th of October 2023 – 5th of November 2023, the exhibition was extended twice and thus, closed on 25th of November 2023, highlighting its success.
The textiles on display were drawn from the collections of Shri Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara, Shri Bhavani Museum and Library in Aundh, and the Nagpur Central Museum in Nagpur, along with private collections. The curation by Mayank Mansingh Kaul comprised sarees, shelas (shawls) and draped headgear.
Over the course of the exhibition, over 2000 people visited us. The profile of the visitors was found to include textile scholars, educators, students, textile enthusiasts from across the country, and weavers. Visitors travelled from over 20 different locations including Delhi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jalna, Yeola, Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Pune and more.
Exhibiting in Paithan
Our goal was to not only showcase the lost glory of the Paithani at the textile gallery but also to showcase these historical textiles in the milieu of Paithan, thus taking it beyond just the Paithani. It was important for us to bring more public awareness not only to the Paithani but also the town of Paithan.
The existence of Paithan can be traced as far back as the 2nd century BC when it became the capital city of the Satavahana empire. Located on the banks of the river Godavari and earlier known as Pratishthāna, Paithan has been the seat of various dynasties.
We also had the privilege of being visited by some of the most well-known names in the fields of textile studies and fashion, from textile patrons to collectors to fashion designers and erstwhile royalty, who applauded the initiative and its vision. Our visitors included HH Maharani Damayanti Raje Bhonsle of Satara, HH Babaji Raje Bhonsle of Thanjavur, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore, Kevin Nigli, Lekha Poddar, Ahalya Matthan, Dr. Monisha Ahmed, Vaishali Shadangule, Arti Kirloskar, Manish Saxena, and faculty members from NID, Pearl Academy, and KCT Coimbatore.
The programme of the day comprised a guided walkthrough with Mayank, about an hour of interacting with weavers at MSSIDC, and a walkabout in the village to understand the architecture and history and take in the vibe and vibrancy of Paithan.
Visits were also organized at Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the caves and Kailash Temple at Ellora. We were glad to have Tejaswini Aphale leading the walkthroughs along with Anurag Vaidya and Amogh Vaidya from TVAM’s team.