DEV SHREE DEOGARH - A LEGACY REIMAGINED

Shatrunjai Singh Chundawat, a proud descendant of the Deogarh family, embarked on a journey to resurrect heritage by crafting a home for his kin. After numerous deliberations on style and design, two convictions stood firm: the home should foster a welcoming aura for a steady stream of friends and it should spotlight the local craftsmanship, providing a learning arena for the community's youth in the realm of hospitality.

Rooted in the principality of Mewar, Shatrunjai sought to infuse his abode with the architectural essence of Mewar. His eyes turned towards Udaipur, drawing inspiration from the beguiling Bagor ki Haveli, the majestic City Palace and the skilled artisans who brought these edifices to life. Thus, the foundation of Dev Shree was laid.

With Nimbahera stone as the canvas, local artisans toiled for nearly two years, meticulously chiselling blocks of stone into intricately carved pillars. These now grace the expansive veranda that overlooks the serene Ragho Sagar Lake, offering a tranquil retreat to relax, delve into a book or revel in the ballet of local migratory birds skimming the placid lake waters. Through every nuanced carving and whispered breeze across the lake, the enduring legacy of Dev Shree Deogarh beckons, offering a glimpse into a rich tapestry of history and hospitality.

THE RAWATS OF DEOGARH

The Rawats of Deogarh are directly descended from Chundaji, and for this reason, they are designated as Chundawats. Rana Mokal's son was the great warrior, scholar and builder Rana Kumbha(1433-1468); he was born at Malia ka Was near Madaria. Today the site of a temple and some visible ruins (now a museum and interpretation centre being built by the Government); this prestigious area was granted to Sanga ji Chundawat (1521-1574) by Maharana Kumbha's grandson Maharana Sangram Singh ( 1509-1527)and is therefore part of the patrimony of the Deogarh family.

Maharana Sanga's son, Dudaji (1574-1611), who had led a Chundawat faction in defence of Chittor against the siege by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1568, was later amongst those who headed the vanguard for Maharana Pratap( 1572-1597) against Akbar's troops at the battle of Haldighati in 1576. The resulting, near-mythical status which Maharana Pratap holds within the history of Rajasthan, has added prestige to any name associated with him and images of both Maharana Pratap and Haldighat abound among paintings associated with Deogarh.

In November of the same year, imperial troops were stationed at Madaria itself, -an event which must have caused outrage.

Isar Das ji ( 1611-1641) grandson of Sanga ji was among the troops serving Maharana Amar Singh (1597-1620) when he defeated the Emperor Jahangir's son Parviz at Khamnor, near Haldighati. Under his son, Gokul Dasji I(1641-1669), the capital of the Deogarh branch of the Chundawats (which then held the title of Thakur) was at Manpura, with the foundation of the present town of Deogarh being laid in 1670 by Rawat Dwarka Dasji(1669-1706), the first to be designated a Rawat.

Rawat Nahar Singhji II (1965-2012), the Father of Shatrunjai Singh ji was educated at Mayo College in Ajmer and then went on to St. Stephen's College in Delhi. He then came back to Mayo College as a Professor and taught History, Hindi and Photography from 1958-1982 when he retired and came back to Deogarh and made Gokul Vilas ( on the Ragho Sagar lake) his retirement home. This is where Shatrunjai spent his growing-up years, learning about the birds, the flora and fauna and his cultural heritage.

Rawat Shri SANGAJI, 1st Rawat of Deogarh 1521/1574, born as Kunwar Sangaji, son of Rawat Sinhaji of Amet, and his third wife, Rani Navrang De, was granted the estate of Deogarh in 1521, married Rani Shyam Kanwar, daughter of Rao Viramdevji of Medta (and sister of Rao Jaimalji of Badnore) and had three sons.

Thakur Gopal Dasji took part valiantly in the battle of Malgarh Gat in 1611 against Abdullah Khan; he was granted the jagiri of Khemana.

Rawat Shri Dudaji (qv)

Thakur Jaimalji was killed in the mountains of Bassi by the Mughals in the attack on Mewar by Shahzada Parvez; after his death, he was posthumously granted the Jagiri of Bassi.

Rawat Shri DUDAJI, 2nd Rawat of Deogarh 1574/1611, married and had issue, four sons. He was killed in the Battle of Ranpur in 1611.

Kunwar Achal Dasji was killed in the battle of Mandal against Shahzada Parvez of Delhi, along with Kunwar Karn Singhji of Mewar, he was granted the Jagiri of Amdala.

Rawat Shri Ishwar Dasji [Ishardasji] (qv)

Thakur Panchayan Dasji was granted the Jagir of Pardi

Kunwar Jaswant Singhji died sp.

Rawat Shri ISAR DASJI, 3rd Rawat of Deogarh 1611/1641, married and had issue. He was killed by Mer Mota Keet in 1641.

Rawat Shri Gokul Dasji I (qv)

Rawat Shri GOKUL DASJI I, 4th Rawat of Deogarh (1641/1669) fought against the Mer of Merwara and was killed in the battle of Madariya against them; married and had four sons. He was killed in the battle at Madariya.

Rawat Shri Dwarika Dasji (qv)

Thakur Jagannath Singhji was granted the Jagir of Tanka.

Thakur Karn Singhji was granted the Jagir of Tiloli

Kunwar Sabal Singh was granted the Thikana of Bassi and succeeded there as Rao Sabal Singh of Bassi (qv)

Thakur Daulat Singh, he was granted the jagir of Daulatgadh; he and his son, both took part in the Battle of Bandhanwara and were killed fighting against Ranbaj Khan Mewati. He was killed at Bandhanwara.

Kunwar Jagat Singhji, he and his father, both took part in the Battle of Bandhanwara and was killed fighting against Ranbaj Khan Mewati.

Baisa Udai Kanwar married Kunwar Padam Singh of Samuja and had six sons.

Rawat Shri DWARIKA DASJI, 5th Rawat of Deogarh 1669/1706

Rawat Shri SANGRAM SINGHJI I, 6th Rawat of Deogarh 1706/1737, married and had issue.

Rawat Shri Jaswant Singhji (qv)

Kunwar Jai Singh was granted the jagir of Sangramgarh and succeeded there as Rawat Shri Jai Singhji of Sangramgarh.

Rawat Shri JASWANT SINGHJI, 7th Rawat of Deogarh 1737/1776, married and had issue, three sons and one daughter, as well as further issue by a Paswanji, one son.

Rawat Shri Raghav Dasji (qv)

Raja Bahadur Thakur Gopal Das was granted the jagiri of Kareda and the title of Raja Bahadur by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji of Jaipur for his bravery in action in the Ranthambhor Battle, married and had issue.

Kunwar Gyan Singh was granted the jagir of Gyangarh and succeded there as Rawat Shri Gyan Singhji, 1st Rawat Sahib of Gyangarh [cr.ca1800]

Kunwar Ajit Singh was granted the jagir of Kareda.

Thakur Swaroop Singhji [aka Swarup Singhji] was granted the jagiri of Bhagwanpura and the title of Rawat

Maharani Kundan Kunwar married Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji II of Jaipur.

Rawat Shri RAGHAV DASJI, 8th Rawat of Deogarh 1776/1786, married and had an issue.

Kunwar Anop Singh was married and had issue. He died vp aged 22.

Rawat Shri Gokul Dasji II (qv)

Rawat Shri GOKUL DAS II, 9th Rawat of Deogarh 1786/1821, married and had issue. He died 1821.

Rawat Shri Nahar Singhji I (qv)

Maharani Shringar Kunwar, married Maharao Kishore Singhji II of Kotah.

Rawat Shri NAHAR SINGHJI I, 10th Rawat of Deogarh 1821/1847

Rawat Shri RANJIT SINGHJI, 11th Rawat of Deogarh 1847/1867, married and had an issue.

Rawat Shri Krishna Singhji (qv)

Rawat Shri KRISHNA SINGHJI, 12th Rawat of Deogarh 1867/1900, born 1847, married 1stly, 1887, Rani Monghi Kunwarba Sahiba of Dhrangadhra, married 2ndly, Rani Mertaniji of Ghanerao, and had issue, as well as adoptive issue. He died sp in December 1900.

Kunwar Jaswant Singh, married Kunwarani Ajab Kunwar of Badnore, died January 1886. He died in January 1886.

(A) Kunwar Pratap Singh [Anop Singh], adopted from Sangramgarh, married and had issue. He died before his adoptive father in 1900.

Rawat Shri Vijai Singhji (qv)

Rawat Shri VIJAI SINGHJI, 13th Rawat of Deogarh 1900/1943, born 1891, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; married Rani Nand Kunwar, daughter of Raj Rana Zalim Singhji of Delwara, and had issue. He died in 1943.

Rawat Shri Sangram Singhji II (qv)

Rani Laxmi Kumari Chundawat, born 24th June 1916, Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly 1962/1971, Member of the Panel of Chairmen, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly; Member of the Rajya Sabha 1972/1978, President of the Rajasthan P.C.C., author of a number of books in Hindi and Rajasthani, married 1934, Rawat Shri Tej Singhji of Rawatsar, and had issue. She died on 24th of May 2014. (Lakshmi Niwas, Jagdeesh Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan)

Baisa Khuman Kunwar, married into Bagri.

Rawat Shri SANGRAM SINGHJI II, 14th Rawat of Deogarh 1943/1965, married Rani Krishna Kumari of Dumraon and had an issue. He died in 1965.

Rawat Shri Nahar Singhji II (qv)

Rani Sita Kumari, born in 1936 in Deogarh, Udaipur, educated at Sophia Girls College, Ajmer; married 25th June 1955, Raja Bahadur Vishwanath Pratap Singh of Manda, and has issue, two sons.

Thakur Mandhata Singh, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; married Thakurani Govind Kumari, daughter of Thakur Sahib Sawant Singhji of Baneria, and has issue, two children.

Baisa Mayank Kumari [Rajmata Mayank Kumari Deo of Jeypore], educated at Sophia Girls College, Ajmer; married Shri Maharaja Shakti Vikram Deo of JeyporeEstate in Orissa, and has issue, one daughter.

Kunwar Kaushlendra Singh

Thakur Indrajeet Singh was educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; formally a Tea Planter and now retired and settled in Jaipur; married Thakurani Yogini Kumari of Gamph in Gujarat, and has issue, two children.

Baisa Hemangini Kumari, educated at Sophia Girls College, Ajmer.

Kunwar Prithviraj Singh was educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; at present, he is settled in Africa; he married Kunwarani Aaditi Kumari, daughter of Maharaj Suman Singhji of Jodhpur, and his wife, Rani Nirmala Kumari.

Kunwarani Chandramani Kumari, educated at Sophia Girls College, Ajmer; married Kunwar B. K. Singh, and has issue, three children, one daughter and two sons.

Thakurani Shakuntala Kumari, educated at Sophia Girls College, Ajmer; married Thakur K. A. P. Singhji of Pratapgarh, U.P., and has issue, two daughters.

Lt.-Col. Thakur Randhir Singh was educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; served in the Indian Army in the Armoured Corps and commanded a regiment, he was also wounded in the India-Pakistan War of 1971; married Thakurani Chandra Kumari, daughter of Maharaj Govardhan Singhji Sahib of Nachana in Jaisalmer, and has issue, one son.

Kunwar Hemant Raj Singh attended Mayo College, Ajmer and M.S. University, Baroda; he was a Tea Planter from 1996 to 2009 in Dooars, West Bengal for Duncans Industries L.T.D.; at present (2010) he is working for Mehrangarh Museum Trust, looking after the Jodhpur Fort as a Manager, Administration; married 2001, Kuwarani Leena Singh of Bakhatgarh, and has issue, one son.

Bhawar Suryanshu Singh

Thakur Vikram Singh, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; married Thakurani Vijaylaxmi Kumari of Junia, and has issue, two children.

Baisa Devangana Kumari

Kunwar Ripudman Singh

Rawat Shri NAHAR SINGHJI II, 15th Rawat of Deogarh 1965/2012, born 1932, married Rani Bhuratna Prabha Kumari, daughter of Yuvaraj Alekshendra Kant Singh of Bhinga, and had issue, two sons and one daughter. He died on 18th August 2012.

Rawat Shri Veerbhadra Singhji (qv)

Baisa Aradhana Kumari [Rani Aradhana Kumari of Idar], born 1st February 1963 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, married 10th July 1986 in Jaipur, Maharaj Karan Singhji of Idar, Managing Director - Spectrum International Hospitality Services, Sydney, Australia; and has issue, one son and one daughter.

Kunwar Nidhiraj Singh

Baisa Vindhya Kumari

Thakur Shatrunjai Singh, born 7th January 1965 in Ajmer, formerly of a Corporate background with Reckitt and Colman and also with Tata Steel, presently (2009) a hotelier; married 10th December 1993 in Ajmer, Thakurani Bhavna Kumari, daughter of Thakur Sahib Pushpendra Singh of Ghanerao, and his wife, Thakurani Rajeshwari Kumari, and has issue, two sons.

Kunwar Mahadhriti Singh Chundawat

Kunwar Bhagyaditya Singh Chundawat

Rawat Shri VEERBHADRA SINGHJI, 16th Rawat of Deogarh

DEV SHREE FAMILY

Chundawat
The family belongs to the Chundawat clan of Rajputs from Mewar. The four major strongholds of the Chundawats are Salumber, Begun, Deogarh, Amet, Bharchadi, Bhainsrorgarh, Bassi
(Rajput Clan Chundawat Vansh Suryavansh Lineage: Raja Ram- Raja Lav| - Kanaksen of Vallabhi - Guhil - Bappa Rawal - Khoman - Hammir - Chunda.)

Chundawats are the descendants of Rana Chunda, [1] the eldest son of Sisodia - Rana Lakha of Mewar. Rana Chunda renounced his right to the throne so that his father could marry Hansa Kumari of Marwar, whose proposal had come for Chunda in the first place. Chundawats are gallant warriors of Rajputana. Rana Chunda sacrificed the Mewar throne and all the luxury for his stepbrother Rana Mokal (son of Hansa Kumari) and served his whole life for the welfare of the state of Mewar. These sacrifices were similar to the Bhishma of Mahabharat that's why Rana Chunda is also known as "Bhishma of Mewar".
Subclans of Chundawats
1. Krishnawat (Thikana - Salumber)
2. Meghawat (Thikana - Begu)
3. Jaggawat (Thikana - Amet)
4. Sangawat (Thikana - Devgarh)

Shatrunjai is the son of the Late Rawat Nahar Singhji of Deogarh - he studied at Mayo College and went on to do his Bachelor's and Master's in Economics From MS University Baroda, and did PGDM Marketing and worked with Reckitt and Coleman and later Tata Steel in various capacities- from the MD's office to Production Control and Planning, Road and Rail Transport and scrap sale, last being a branch head at Tata Steel- Delhi. He came back to Deogarh to help Deogarh Mahal restore his family home which was in a state of ruin and helped bring it to be one of the Best Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan with 60 rooms.- The management and operations in the initial years followed by Business planning, branding and positioning for the last 22 years - but the niche market was always his order of preference so he and his wife Bhavna started Dev Shree- a boutique residence where they reside.

Bhavna is from the illustrious Ghanerao family - daughter of Thakur Pushpendra Singhji who was a Senior Tea Planter in Assam. He joined Tata Tea after he had played for Mohan Bagan Football for a year- probably the best Footballer Mayo College had produced. He worked in the Tea industry for over 30 years- having a great interest in sports- especially tennis and golf being his favourite. Bhavna went to Welham Girls School in Dehra Dun and then to Sophia College Ajmer where she became the vice Head girl - she went on to join Tandem Merchandising to export Garments to various countries - including America-

Mahadhriti was schooled at Mayo College and was a keen squash player and cycle Polo player - representing the school and playing the Nationals- once going onto a Rank of India 22 when he was at school.

Presently he is studying at WGSHA - School of Hospitality and representing the University in squash swimming and hockey he has a special interest in Food and Beverage and reading books

Bhagyaditya Singh has also gone through Mayo College and has also played squash and cycle Polo he went on to Captain Mayo in Polo. He went to represent a young team in the UK - in Cirencester and Cheltenham.

Currently, he is studying at WGSHA with a special interest in Marketing and Branding

Bhavna's Brother Thakur Khem Singh runs Ghanerao safari tours - Horse Safaris which traverse between Godvar and Marwar into Mewar -

He studied at Doon School and was a tea planter. He joined Lokender Singh of Ghanerao (once the Captain of the Indian Polo team ) and his Father to operate the horse Safari tour company.

DEOGARH MINIATURE PAINTING

Miniature paintings from Rajasthan are some of the most exquisite art forms India has. This form of painting developed across this region in medieval times, and although generically referred to as "Rajput miniatures", this style shows great diversity depending on geography and time period.

Rajasthan was a hotbed of political and military activity during medieval times, and as a result, a number of states emerged, most of them establishing artistic ateliers in their courts. A wide range of subjects were depicted in these paintings including, portraits, hunting scenes, court scenes, religious festivals, erotic art and paintings depicting Gods and Goddesses.

Based on geography alone the paintings were divided into four broad groups: the paintings of Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti and Dhundar. The skill and prominence were dictated by the resources available to these artists and the interest and patronage that the Rulers provided. Mewar, one of the most prolific regions of artistic activity had paintings from Deogarh, Pratapgarh, Nathdwara and Mewar. The art which emerged here is characterized by emotional appeal and bright colours.

Deogarh is a small town 125 km from Udaipur, where a distinctive style of miniature painting emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries. Rawat Gokul Dasji was one of the most significant patrons of the Deogarh style of painting.

The art of Deogarh reflects a strong Mewar influence with the use of yellow and green as well as bold and elegant lines. One can see themes like portraits, hunting scenes, darbar or court scenes and even themes of Lord Krishna with his consort Radha.

Deogarh has produced some prominent artists whose work is still significant today. In its early phase artists like Bagta( active in Deogarh around 1769-1820)and Chokha were at the forefront, and in the later phase, Baijnath (1800-1845), the son of Chokha, occupied a prominent place. One can see the influences of the Nathdwara and Jaipur styles in the art of Baijnath. The art of Deogarh is especially distinct because the artists have mirrored their natural surroundings in their paintings.
My Father, Rawat Nahar Singh II along with his friend Milo Cleveland Beach researched the current day status of the Deogarh paintings around the World and studied the inscriptions at the back of these paintings. The research is documented in his book 'Bagta and Chokha, Master Artists at Devgarh" and prints adorn the walls of the Dev Shree drawing room.

The paintings of Nathdwara are well-balanced and use deep colours like blue extensively. The image of Krishna lifting Mount Goverdhan is one of the most significant images of Nathdwara art. In this school, depictions of human figures usually follow a set pattern, the women are elderly, the men robust and heavily built, and Krishna's playmates are sportive and emotional. The Pushtimarg ( path of grace) paintings became extremely popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, making Nathdwara paintings a continuing living tradition.

The States of Mewar have vanished but they have left with us a rich and significant artistic collection. The art from Mewar is rich and expressive and many of the artistic traditions established hundreds of years ago are still thriving.

MAYO COLLEGE

Mayo College, in the city of Ajmer, has often been described as the “Eton of the East”. It was founded in 1875 by Lord Mayo, the British Viceroy and modelled closely on England’s public schools. Its role was to prepare the young Princes for their royal duties, in a mould that would fit them comfortably into the British Empire.

Given the futures for which the pupils were destined, subjects like shooting and riding inevitably loomed larger in the curriculum than more conventional academic priorities. However the emphasis began to change after Independence when many members of the aristocracy were forced to consider the necessity of gainful employment. Indeed, the intake began to change as well – with a willingness to admit pupils from the Brahmin and business classes alongside the Rajput core – as long as their parents could afford the fees. In the college’s heyday, however, many of the princely pupils lived in the most exclusive of lives. Their families built them lavishly appointed mini palaces and staffed them with huge retinues of servants. The first pupil, the Maharaja of Alwar arrived with an entourage of horses, camels and elephants and a fanfare of trumpets and drums.

A very far cry from the austerity of the English dormitory! One of the most striking features of the Mayo College photographs is the “maturity” of the students. Indeed, when Nahar Singh started teaching there in 1956, at the age of 24, he reprimanded one of the boys, who coolly replied, “I don’t think you should do that – I’m older than you”! Shatrunjai and Bhavna's sons Mahadhriti

( 2010-2106 ) and Bhagyaditya ( 2010-2018 ) were the fifth generation from the Deogarh family to be admitted to Mayo College. Both were boarded at Ajmer House(which was also their father's house during his years at the school). Mahadhriti went on to represent the school in Squash at Chennai and Delhi and various National events and Bhagyaditya made Polo and Horses his sport of choice and went on to become the School's Polo Captain for the year 2016-17.

MESSAGE FROM
SHATRUNJAI & BHAVNA

"My ideal of the Indian state is that of Ram Raj. The rule of epic hero Ram abandons his kingdom and lives in the forest for the sake of truth. Ram gave to all the kings of the world an object lesson in noble conduct. By his strict monogamy, he showed that a life of perfect restraint could be led by a Royal household. He lent Spender to his throne through his popular administration and proved that Ram Raj was the acme of swaraj (self-rule) Ram did not need the very imperfect modern instrument of ascertaining public opinion by counting votes. He had captivated the hearts of the people. He knew public opinion by intuition, as it were... such Ram raj is possible even today...."

"Kathiyad was conference address Jan 8 1925 ( printed in MK Gandhi, Young India, 1924-26 (New York,1927)"

MESSAGE FROM MAHADHRITI & BHAGYADITYA SINGH CHUNDAWAT

My Father always told us,” You are as good as what the plaque on your gravestone reads”. We have based our lives on this principle.

DEOGARH'S foundation stone was laid in 1670 AD by our ancestor - DWARKA Dasji. The Palace remained the residence of my family till the late 1900s. My grandfather opted to move out to teach at Mayo College, a British-style public school initially designed to educate the young princes. Both my Brother and I went to that school - a family tradition. Our parents insisted on us working on our IQ, EQ and SQ along with health Quotient. While we were at school we were taken to a Guru to practice yoga, meditation and spiritualism as well. We played sports and participated in cultural activities too.

At Devshree we spent time learning the values that were passed down through generations on how an erstwhile family member should come across to the people. Deogarh is a traditional village in Rajasthan(near Udaipur-earlier the state of Mewar). We are expected to dress, behave, and speak in a particular fashion and our elders and family retainers assist us in this exercise. We are expected to adhere to the principles and our behaviour, conduct, disciplined lifestyle are to be in keeping with the values of swaraj (self-rule) as practised by Lord Ram. A practice of self-discipline, hard work, perseverance and the knowledge that he had captivated the hearts of the people and knew public opinion by intuition.

The Dev Shree Trust was formed to continue the work of helping the poor and educating children from the backward sections of society. We have assisted school children with uniforms, books, sweaters and slippers and we have formed a body of Government school teachers to help us with the same. One of our benefactors has helped us with arranging motivational training camps for these teachers. We have also set up state–of–the–art basketball (a popular sport in Deogarh) courts for the village. This has taught us the joy and importance of giving –my Mother always says ”It is in giving that we receive”.

In our Farms too, we introduced drip irrigation and use only solar energy in all our Farms. The idea is to set up model farms. We work with local farmers and share the practices with them.

When we built Devshree, it was with the guidance of our Guru. We engaged local artisans to carve pillars from local stone and the building is built following the Hindu guidelines of Vastu Shastra. The rooms and interiors are designed keeping in mind the needs of the discerning traveller. The experience of the lifestyle, the meals (which have a few traditional dishes incorporated into the menu) and the fact that they are part of the family and included in the festivals and celebrations as per the season, are what sets Dev Shree apart from the other places. Both of us brothers also enjoy being with the guests and their questions and queries help us learn more about our own history.

Today both us brothers are learning the art and science of hospitality and business management. We chose an Indian Institute so the foundation of our training is based on our Indian style. Although we are introduced to all facets of the business –Indian and Western. Even during vacations we work at home and hope we can infuse some new-age ideas and concepts to grow the brand of Dev Shree.

We have grown up treating our guests as friends, learning to cook, serve and take care of their needs since we were children. Each guest is personally received by one of us on arrival. We share our time showing them the rural life, farm activity, social upliftment schemes, rural train experience and cycling to the homes of local Thakurs. In all, we like to showcase our area, its people, flora and fauna to the people who visit us. The idea is to create lasting memories, something unique and something different for each traveller.

During the lockdown we have spent a lot of time with my mother baking cakes, making pickles and other traditional dishes. My mother learned these recipes from her mother while growing up in the tea estates of Eastern India. After marriage, my mother came under the tutelage of her Mother-In-Law and learned how to prepare the local delicacies. We are spending time experimenting and documenting these recipes.