Chhatris are the raised onion-domed pavilions found throughout India, but most particularly at funerary sites, where they are raised over the cremation of distinguished or aristocratic individuals.
Often ornate, intricately carved or painted, chhatris are a defining element of North Indian architecture, incorporating Hindu and Mughal design, and especially evocative of the culture of Rajasthan. For Natasha Kumar they are a constant inspiration for her work.
The Maalas are an extension of the Chhatris series and are based on moods or feeling at the different times of day.
Maala means garland. In the Maala series, each work of the garland evokes a range of moods through bold pink and orange, russet and turquoise, the colours of everyday life in Rajasthan.
