Lord Jagannath accompanied by his siblings in Marodi Brass Plate

Mr. Sanjay Singh Rathore, the founder of House of Edwa, named after his native place, has been dedicated to the revival and promotion of Marodi Craft. Through his efforts, he has transformed a nearly extinct form of art into a celebrated craft, merging traditional techniques with contemporary needs. A groundbreaking innovation by the House of Edwa is the inclusion of figurative forms and portraits in Marodi Craft. Unique to the House of Edwa is the depiction of deities such as Balaji and Shrinath Ji, a portrayal unprecedented in the history of Marodi Craft. Additionally, Rathore and his team of master craftsmen—Amar, Ali, Mohammad, and Asif—have pioneered the fusion of Marodi Craft with Pichwai painting from Rajasthan, introducing an innovative twist to this traditional art form.

Sanjay's journey with Marodi Craft began in childhood, inspired by the artifacts created by his father. Although his path initially led him towards civil services, his passion for preserving Indian heritage remained strong. Realizing the craft was on the brink of extinction, Sanjay decided to dedicate himself to its revival. Approximately 3-4 years ago, Sanjay embarked on extensive research to understand and revive Marodi Craft. He reconnected with artisans from his father's era, who provided invaluable support and encouragement. This rediscovery phase was crucial in identifying and nurturing skilled artisans, many of whom had shifted to basic, less creative work due to lack of opportunities. Sanjay himself is an avid learner who practices this craft alongside other craftsmen, further deepening his commitment to preserving and innovating within the tradition.

One of the major challenges faced by artisans was the irregularity of work and inconsistent payment, leading to demoralization and abandonment of the craft. Sanjay's initiative focuses on providing regular employment and financial stability to artisans. By connecting them with a broader market and ensuring fair compensation, he has reinvigorated their passion and dedication to Marodi Craft. A significant aspect of Sanjay's efforts involves training new artisans, regardless of their background or community. By organizing workshops and providing hands-on training, Sanjay ensures the craft's techniques and traditions are passed down to future generations. This inclusive approach has attracted both Muslim and Hindu artisans, fostering a diverse and collaborative environment.

Sanjay envisions a bright future for Marodi Craft, integrating it into modern applications such as interior design and decorative panels. Collaborations with platforms like MeMeraki have provided a stage for award-winning artisans to showcase their work and innovate. Sanjay aims to take Marodi Craft to an international audience, highlighting India's rich cultural heritage through various forms, from small decorative items to large installations. The journey of Marodi Craft in Sanjay's family began with his father over 30-35 years ago. Despite initial challenges, his father laid the groundwork for future endeavors. With the advent of the internet and social media, Sanjay has successfully leveraged these tools to promote Marodi Craft globally, continuing his father's legacy and vision.