Column: A Court Dancer

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Fedara, Ahmedabad, Gujarat is home to a village where travelers often stop to rest on their journey south. Little known to outsiders, Fedra has been and continues to be the residence of Rajputs, who strive for excellence in all aspects of their homes. The ornamentation, spatial relationships, and construction of these houses are meticulously crafted to avoid mediocrity. Delo houses, a testament to this attention to detail, feature multiple spaces within a confined complex that consider hierarchy, function, gender, household activities, volume, and scale. Although the Rajput dynasty has long since dissolved, the built legacy remains, with its stories told through the spaces and elements themselves. Each day brings a new narrative, as intricately carved wooden brackets, or "putli," depict scenes of courtiers, warriors, and royalty. A court dancer is often featured, holding a kadtaal in her hands, while a dholi sits beside her, accompanied by a baby symbolizing her hard work and dedication. The Rajputs' penchant for identifying talent among their people is evident in the placement of these delicate carvings on their columns. They never settled for anything less than perfection.