Jaipur, a city steeped in history, art, and culture, is experiencing a modern renaissance as custodians of its rich heritage shine a new light on its treasures. A recent addition to Jaipur's cultural landscape is the Museum of Meenakari Heritage (MoMH), spearheaded by jeweller Sunita Shekhawat.

The museum is curated by esteemed jewellery historian Dr Usha R. Balakrishnan, designed by Siddhartha Das Studio, and brought to life by Studio Lotus. The museum's launch—a significant milestone also serves as the flagship store for Shekhawat’s brand.

Sunita Shekhawat's innovative approach to traditional enamelled jewellery earned her the title of 'the modern meenakar', owing to her unconventional color palette and versatile, reversible designs. However, she emphasizes that the museum is not about her; rather, it's a homage to Jaipur's meenakari craft.  

She insists that they take immense pride in Jaipur's legacy and aim to educate and celebrate their craftsmen's skills.

Spanning 2,200 square feet, the museum narrates the journey of enamelling from Renaissance Europe to 16th-century India, initially introduced through Goa and later flourishing in cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, and Lahore. Sunita states that it was Sawai Man Singh I who brought meenakars from the Mughal courts to Jaipur, establishing their city as a pivotal center for this craft.

Dr Balakrishnan and her team dedicated four years to curating over 300 references from prestigious institutions like the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, culminating in 120 meticulously crafted reproductions by the artisans of the House of Shekhawat. Sunita proudly recalls, "Gary Tinterow, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, was astounded by our reproductions' accuracy” She credited it to the unmatched skills of her karigars.

MoMH offers visitors a captivating exploration into regional variations of meenakari, the art's artistic influences, and the unique addition of intricate back designs by Indian artisans. Sunita reflects on interesting learnings such as the poetic names of ancient enamelling colors like 'koon-e-kabouter' for red (meaning 'pigeon blood') and 'fakhtahi' for dove grey blue.

Looking ahead, MoMH plans to enrich visitor experiences with audio-visual guides, live enamelling demonstrations, and atelier viewings upon request. "This is just the beginning; the museum will continue evolving," Sunita shares eagerly.

A crucial aspect for Sunita was showcasing Rajasthan's essence through the museum's architecture. The Shekhawat Haveli, housing MoMH, is constructed entirely with locally sourced materials, highlighting Rajasthan's craftsmanship and heritage. 

Sunita Shekhawat, along with her children Niharika and Digvijay, who are deeply involved in the brand's operations, feels that Jaipur's pride resonates strongly in their work. She reflects that Jaipur sustains itself due to the patronage of their ancestors. Sunita expresses a desire for the world to appreciate and celebrate Jaipur's legacy as they do. She concludes passionately that MoMH represents a fusion of past and present, aimed at preserving their heritage for the future.

As Jaipur immerses itself in its vibrant cultural narrative through MoMH, Sunita Shekhawat's vision serves as a symbol of appreciation and preservation, showcasing Jaipur's lasting legacy in meenakari artistry.