In our leaning toward the West and our colonial roots, we neglect the rich heritage of India, the multitudinous arts and intricate crafts," says Princess of Baroda, Asha Raje Gaekwad, bringing out some exquisite, intricate, ivory paintings done by an old-time Jaipur artist. These translucent and nearly ethereal works were specially commissioned by her.Devotional themes of Lord Krishna, Shiva, Mother and Child, were selected because traditional artists identify more with stories of gods and dedicate themselves to mythological themes more fervently. Partial to traditional art, she is also keenly interested in contemporary art as well.Born into the illustrious Rana family of Nepal, she has been accustomed to the best in lifestyle and art. Asha Raje grew up in Kathmandu - her home being a Viennese-style lavish palace with the best of Rococo and Baroque furniture and artefacts from all over Europe. Yet, after marriage into the Baroda royal family, Indian styles and ways are more staunchly followed by her more than even a native Indian, as is wont with a new convert. Surrounded by furniture from the Napoleonic era, a French highboy brimming with delicate Dresden, Lalique, Cape de Monte porcelain, soft, and delicately elegant in a floral pastel chiffon, Asha Raje speaks of only Indian art. "I had very keenly desired a particular work by Husain which he had not wanted to sell and so I did not buy any of the works at the time. He had done some portraits of mine, but I have not yet taken those." She has one painting each of many of the well- known contemporary artists such as Anjolie Ela Menon, Husain and Laxman Shreshta (also from Nepal). She must respond to the work emotionally to buy it. Bendre is especially liked. "Perhaps I am sentimental about him because he hails from Baroda". She has his `Gulmohar Tree' which holds pride of place at her house in Mumbai. Asha Raje has also discovered unsung artists like Yusuf Ali and made him paint, in printing inks, for her private collection. Covering an entire wall each, it appears that the subjects are breathing, racing, dancing in rainbow colors, vibrant and alive. Unfortunately, this genius died young but while he was alive, she had introduced him to her acquaintances, many of whom also acquired his work. "One cannot own all the work one loves," says the princess of one of the richest, former princely states of India which built the opulent Baroda Palace. Sometimes, for her, just a chance to look at them is enough. "I am enthralled by just visiting every museum in any city of the world I go. I especially seek out the works of Rembrandt, Goya and Salvadore Dali whose paintings move me greatly."
