About Me

In June 2024, during the final year of my Computer Science undergrad at the University of Maryland, I found myself back in Rajasthan, taking my cousin from the UK on a tour of Jaipur’s City Palace, Amer Fort, and its storied museums. Wandering those grand halls and courtyards, I was struck all over again by the richness of our culture — the layers of history, art, and devotion woven into every corner. It was a moment that sparked a deep curiosity within me: What about the treasures closer to home, in Ajmer, where I grew up? Eager to explore, I set out to discover the untold stories of my own backyard.

That journey led me to Kishangarh Fort and the Phool Mahal Palace — places so near yet so unknown to me despite my childhood spent nearby. It was there I encountered Kishangarh miniature paintings, a delicate art form rich with romantic and devotional themes — the elongated faces, the intricate details, the poem-like brushwork. I fell in love immediately. But it was also heartbreaking. The beauty of this centuries-old tradition felt overshadowed, as if hidden away while the world remained unaware.

As I spoke with artists who kept the tradition alive, I learned an unsettling truth: the average artisan’s age hovered around 50, and the younger generation seemed uninterested, making the art’s future fraught with uncertainty. It became clear that without dedicated intervention, Kishangarh miniature painting might vanish within a decade. Feeling this urgent call to action, I realized I couldn't just wait for recognition to come from elsewhere — I had to be the catalyst. I believed that entrepreneurs like myself don’t wait for change; they lead it.

Motivated by this, I’ve committed myself to building KalArs, a tech-enabled platform to shine a light on Kishangarh paintings and the artisans behind them, connecting their craft directly with global collectors. By harnessing technology, I want to help preserve this fragile art while giving artisans a fair livelihood. KalArs represents a bridge between the timeless traditions of Rajasthan and the modern world.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re a lover of Indian culture or a passionate collector, KalArs is where these stories live and grow. Together, we can ensure Kishangarh’s luminous legacy continues to inspire and enchant for generations to come.