1,68,480 stitches | 693 hours

This tapestry, titled Baji Rao, draws inspiration from the rustic camel herder who tends to his flock in the dwindling grazing lands of Rajasthan. The wrinkles on Baji Rao’s face tell the story of a lifetime spent in scavenging the womb of the desert for green pastures. The history of Rajasthan peeps through those deep-set eyes. The colourful turban contrasts with the grey of his handlebar moustache. The emaciated look of the protagonist reflects a meagre yet magical life in the mythical land of sand dunes.

Title of Tapestry: BAJI RAO

Year of Creation: 2014

Medium: Petit Point/Needle Point Embroidery

Size: 40”x52”

Materials used: 4 ply woollen yarn/double mesh Penelope canvas/hand-embroidery needle

Source of Inspiration: A portrait of an unidentified Rajasthani man on the internet

Note: No graph or stencil has been used in the creation of this tapestry