The city of Bhavnagar in the state of Gujarat was founded in 1723 by by Bhavsinhji Gohil-I when the Gohil dynasty shifted their capital from Sihor. An integral part of the city’s rich heritage are its textiles. At our Online Talk #ThreadsOfTradition, heritage conservationist Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil, who is also a member of Bhavnagar’s erstwhile royal family, analyses the region's material culture, and examines various crafts and textiles of Bhavnagar, including their historic relevance, previous use and present day status. She also looks into the role of two organisations that have been working towards preservation, protection and promotion of the region's cultural and natural heritage - Bhavnagar Heritage and INTACH Bhavnagar. 

About the speaker:

Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil has a BA in Archaeology and History of Art from the University of Nottingham, U.K., and an MA in Heritage Management and Conservation from Durham University, U.K. Born into the erstwhile royal family of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, she has been interested in the field of art and heritage from childhood. The exposure to her family trust, which maintains heritage hotels, historical temples and schools, led her to start Bhavnagar Heritage, a brand that creates products inspired by the cultural and natural heritage of the region. A promoter for local art and craft, she has recently set up the Bhavnagar INTACH Chapter and is consulting at Prinseps Auctions (Mumbai) and Olympia Auctions (London).