ODE TO Legacy
Harper's Bazaar India|December 2020
In an exclusive for Bazaar, couturier Raghavendra Rathore takes us on a journey through the lanes of his beloved Jodhpur...and opens the doors to his home and heritage hotel, Ajit Bhawan Palace
Raghavendra Rathore
ODE TO Legacy

My earliest recollections of Jodhpur are of merunning through the jaali (lattice) corridors of the zanana (women’s) section of my home, the Ajit Bhawan, into my grandmother’s lap. She was the central figure of the house, surrounded by a constant buzz of activity—it was a multifaceted world where women were the decision-makers, surrounded by textile merchants from Benaras, jewellers from across India, perfumers with their delicate bottles, and waves of ladies who would come to pay respects to her, not only since she was married into the Jodhpur family, but also because she was the sister of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

From here, I would find my way to my mother’s chambers, where she would let me muddle my hands with paints and canvas that she put to good use during her time in purdah, while training me how to sketch and draw. In contrast, the mardana (men’s) section on the ground floor level had a strong sense of masculinity both in atmosphere and architecture, a contrast to the delicately-designed upper floor.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR INDIAView All
...Carry A Rockstar Look?
Harper's Bazaar India

...Carry A Rockstar Look?

Remember the iconic advice from Bob Dylan: "Sometimes you have to bite your lip and put on some sunglasses"? He, of course, took it strictly, crafting his musician persona with those classic black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Now it's your chance to create your own stylish journey with a timeless touch of sophistication.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
The Yarn Story
Harper's Bazaar India

The Yarn Story

A slew of homegrown labels are making a case for why knitwear could be a year-round choice.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
HOLA BARCELONA!
Harper's Bazaar India

HOLA BARCELONA!

From art, culture, and architecture to a buzzing nightlife, Spain's second-largest city has something for everyone.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
BEAUTY NEWS
Harper's Bazaar India

BEAUTY NEWS

All that's fresh in the world of beauty right now.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
THE NEW FRONTIER
Harper's Bazaar India

THE NEW FRONTIER

Explore the shift towards holistic body care.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
'CELEBRATE YOUR SKIN TONE'
Harper's Bazaar India

'CELEBRATE YOUR SKIN TONE'

In an exclusive conversation with Bazaar India, make-up mogul Laura Mercier, who recently launched her products in India, talks about her career, the flawless look that she pioneered, and shares make-up tips.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
GREAT STRIDES
Harper's Bazaar India

GREAT STRIDES

A psychoanalyst explores how women have taken control of the sartorial narrative over the centuries, embracing fashion as a subtle yet powerful form of self-expression.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
FROM ASCENT TO APEX
Harper's Bazaar India

FROM ASCENT TO APEX

When rising star ANANYA PANDAY crosses paths with resurgent legend ZEENAT AMAN, it's a celebration of womanhood in all its glory.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
INDIAN LEGACY, GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Harper's Bazaar India

INDIAN LEGACY, GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Tracing Welspun Living's journey from its humble beginnings in Gujarat to its international dominance in the home textile industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
PAGE TURNERS
Harper's Bazaar India

PAGE TURNERS

These forbidden romance' novels defy expectations and redefine love.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024