Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Chanakya Celebrates 40 Years With Three Mumbai Craft Exhibitions
Chanakya is a Mumbai workshop that makes detailed clothing and art using textiles and embroidery.
It is celebrating 40 years since it was founded.
The Chanakya Foundation and School of Craft is also marking 10 years.
The celebrations include three exhibitions in Mumbai.
The displays include flowers, globes, maps and large sculptures.
Artists made these works by hand using materials such as thread, bamboo, raffia and cotton.
One exhibition shows the journeys of six women travellers from the 19th century.
It also includes new maps showing how Mumbai changed from seven islands into a major city.
Chanakya created some of the works with designer Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Mumbai-based textile atelier Chanakya is marking 40 years with three exhibitions across the city.
The exhibitions explore fashion, education, research, artistic collaboration and evolving textile-making practices.
En Route runs at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum from September 8 to October 20.
Garden of Gestures is at Chanakya Ateliers from September 9 to 30, while Belong runs at Experimenter Colaba from September 10 to October 17.
En Route features embroidered maps and handcrafted globes developed with Maria Grazia Chiuri, including new maps about Mumbai’s history.
- Who
- Chanakya, led by Karishma Swali, is presenting the anniversary exhibitions with collaborators including Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- What
- Chanakya is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of its foundation and craft school through three exhibitions.
- When
- The exhibitions run between September 8 and October 20; the article identifies the installation views as being from 2026.
- Where
- The exhibitions are held at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Chanakya Ateliers and Experimenter Colaba in Mumbai.
- Why
- The events aim to let Mumbai audiences experience Indian craft and textile-making while highlighting Chanakya’s work and education initiatives.
- Atelier founded
- 1986, in Mumbai
- Anniversary
- 40 years of Chanakya and 10 years of the Chanakya Foundation and School of Craft
- Exhibitions
- En Route, Garden of Gestures and Belong
- En Route venue and dates
- Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum; September 8-October 20
- Garden of Gestures venue and dates
- Chanakya Ateliers; September 9-30
- Belong venue and dates
- Experimenter Colaba; September 10-October 17
- Global collaborations
- Chanakya has worked with more than 50 global luxury brands, including Dior, Prada and Fendi