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Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan Hardcover – March 3, 2020
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”Get lost in the beauty of the photographs in Patterns of India, a striking journey through the colorful Indian state of Rajasthan.”—BuzzFeed
Patterns of India is a visual experience that offers intimate insights into the diverse and richly hued Western Indian culture. Color is the thread that binds the vast country together, defining every aspect of life from religion and politics to food and dress. Organized by the five dominant colors royal blue, sandstone, marigold, ivory, and rose, this book explores how deeply color and pattern exist in a symbiotic relationship and are woven into every part of the culture. For instance, the fuchsia found in the draping fabric of a sari is matched by the vibrant chains of roses offered at temple, and the burnt orange spices in the marketplaces are reflected in the henna tattoos given to brides and wedding guests. While every color is imbued with meaning, it is often within the details of patterns that the full story comes to light.
Photographer and writer Christine Chitnis spent over a decade traveling through, getting to know, and falling in love with the intricate patterns of everyday Rajasthani life. With history and culture-based essays woven throughout the more than 200 stunning photographs of architecture, markets, cuisine, art, textiles, and everyday goings-on, Patterns of India captures the beauty and essence of this unique part of the world.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherClarkson Potter
- Publication dateMarch 3, 2020
- Dimensions7.31 x 1.14 x 9.85 inches
- ISBN-100525577092
- ISBN-13978-0525577096
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From the Publisher
The stunning blue-and-white floral frescoes of the Chhavi Niwas (Hall of Images) at the Jaipur City Palace.
A new bride on her honeymoon shows off her fading mehndi.
The elaborately decorated doorway of Virendra Pol.
Mounds of spices on display at a spice shop in Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar.
Chai is traditionally served in unglazed, single-use clay cups called kulhars.
Women in Bagru collect water for their morning chai.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Patterns of India transports me back to my visits to Delhi and Jaipur. I can almost smell the floral, dusty fragrance that I remember so well. The celebratory colors, intricate patterns, and vivid sensory experience of the country comes across so well in this beautiful book.”—Rebecca Atwood, textile and wallpaper designer and author of Living with Pattern and Living with Color
“India is a place where the delight and brilliance of the colors, textures, and patterns immediately absorb you into the present moment. Patterns of India is an inspiring celebration of one of the most visually compelling and engaging destinations for travelers and photographers, where every detail, from the mundane to the sacred, is a divine expression of ancient and modern artisanal mastery.”—Emily Nathan, photographer and author of My Tiny Atlas and founder of Tiny Atlas Quarterly
“Christine’s photography takes us on an incredible journey into the rich history of pattern and color in Rajasthan. She has conveyed the strength of the Rajasthani visual aesthetic so perfectly through her vivid imagery and thoughtful writing. Patterns of India transports me right back to Rajasthan.”—Sana Javeri Kadri, founder of Diaspora Co.
“Patterns of India is a vibrant love story. Christine’s passion for what is surely one of the most colorful countries on the planet is clear. She brilliantly captures the flow of daily life in the sensuous subcontinent and reveals the stories that lay embedded in India’s visual landscape.”—Fiona Caulfield, travel designer, travel writer, and author of the Love Travel Guides series
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
While it is impossible to encapsulate a country as vast and culturally diverse as India, there is a tie that binds, weaving from the pink-tinged architecture of Jaipur to the shimmering Golden City of Jaisalmer. Color—in rich, vibrant hues defines every aspect of life in India, be it religion, politics, food, art, or dress. As a photographer, I was instantly drawn to its unique color wheel and especially intrigued by the way the same hues seem to echo throughout the country. The fuchsia draping fabric of a sari matches the vibrant chains of rose offerings at the mandir (Hindu temple). Burnt orange towers of spices in the marketplace are reflected in baskets of marigolds lining flower stalls. A field of dyed indigo fabric drying in the desert heat resonates with the brightly painted blue buildings of Jodhpur. Color and pattern exist in a symbiotic relationship. Pattern, when it is applied with detail and precision, can convey meaning and tell a story. Decorative motifs range from simple compositions of dots, lines, rings, and geometric patterns to more complex and meaningful designs that include elements drawn from village life and religious texts. This dynamic combination of color and pattern is most striking in the vibrant northwestern region of Rajasthan, India’s largest state.
Prior to India gaining independence from Great Britain in 1947, Rajasthan (Land of Kings) was a region comprising more than twenty princely states, a feudalist desert stronghold of royal affluence. The Rajputs, who rose to prominence in the area as early as the seventh century AD, were fierce warriors and zealously independent Hindus, and they successfully fended off waves of foreign invaders. When the imperial power in neighboring Delhi shifted in the sixteenth century to Akbar, the powerful Mughal sovereign who would gradually enlarge his empire to include nearly the entire northern Indian subcontinent, many Rajput rulers formed military and marital alliances with him. By acknowledging Akbar as emperor, they were allowed to retain their ancestral territories. The era of stability and creativity that followed this fusion of Rajput and Mughal heritage, coupled with growing wealth and consistent court patronage, had a great impact on, and is reflected in, Rajasthan’s art and architecture: floral and organic patterns, wall paintings, and fluted pillars are trademarks of the Rajput style; stone inlay filigree, mirror-glass mosaic work, geometrical patterns, and the use of arches and domes speak to the Mughal influence.
Rajasthan is home to many of India’s famous landmarks; featured in this book are the Hawa Mahal, the Jaipur City Palace, the Amer Fort, the Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Udaipur City Palace. Despite its bustling, modern cities and royal grandeur, more than 80 percent of its people live in rural areas and make their living through agriculture or livestock herding. Not far from the cities are villages seemingly untouched by modern times, where traditional arts and handicrafts, such as hand block printing, embroidery, and weaving, are kept alive.
My own travels through India have been deeply influenced by my husband Vijay’s familial connection to the country. Mangalore, a port city in the southwestern state of Karnataka, was home to Vijay’s mother’s family; his father’s family was from Kolhapur on the banks of the Panchganga River in the western state of Maharashtra. Both of his parents were raised in Bombay, but they spoke different languages and were raised with different religions—his Hindu father spoke Marathi and his Catholic mother spoke Konkani. Their common language was English. Soon after their marriage in 1964, they immigrated to England and then to Canada, where my husband was born and raised. Vijay’s parents didn’t teach him about their homeland’s languages, religions, or customs. Being raised in an immigrant family with no strong connection to his parents’ history or culture, he felt a growing void as he tried to reconcile his upbringing as a minority in Canada with his Indian heritage. Searching for the missing pieces of his identity, he left home in his twenties and traveled to India. He settled in the northeastern state of Assam, just south of the eastern Himalayas, and lived a simple, monastic life. He immersed himself in the languages and culture that had eluded him during his childhood: he learned to speak Hindi and Bengali, and began his study and practice of Hinduism. After nearly a decade in India, Vijay made his way back to Canada in 2001, and eventually to the United States, where we met, married, and started our family.
I traveled to India for the first time as a newlywed and have returned almost every year since: pregnant with my first son and, most recently, with my daughter; when my sons were toddlers and when they were school age. We are raising our children, Vijay, Vikram, and Meera, to be proud of their Indian heritage. They have had the privilege of exploring India and their ancestry with joyous hearts and adventurous spirits, while Vijay and I work to expand their cultural knowledge. My family enjoys sightseeing during our travels, visiting palaces, forts, and museums, but we spend the majority of our time experiencing everyday life in markets, temples, and friends’ homes. This intimate perspective is what I hope to reflect in this collection. To be a traveler is to pay heightened attention to the ordinary, and that is what I strive to celebrate in my photography: the ordinary moments that feel extraordinary.
This photographic collection offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich use of color and pattern; it is not meant to be a comprehensive historical or cultural study of the region’s arts and crafts and it would take many lifetimes to explore a country as vast as India. Indian art forms are complex and layered subjects. Because of the diversity of the population—across regional, geographical, and religious divides—there are myriad interpretations and representations of symbols and colors. But as I combed through my archives trying to choose photographs to include in this book, one thing became clear to me—very specific color stories were at play in Rajasthan, and patterns occupied a central role.
No matter where we live, our lives are filled with color and pattern, but as we move through the world at an increasingly frenzied pace, we often fail to notice them. I hope this collection reminds you to look for the beauty that surrounds you, whether it is in the form of a magnificent architectural feat or a humble household object.
Product details
- Publisher : Clarkson Potter (March 3, 2020)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0525577092
- ISBN-13 : 978-0525577096
- Item Weight : 2.14 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.31 x 1.14 x 9.85 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #23,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4 in General India Travel Guides
- #9 in Travel Photography (Books)
- #16 in Textile & Costume (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author
![Christine Chitnis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/49sinoq1t2qjbul9jap9t4gui0._SY600_.jpg)
Christine Chitnis is a writer and photographer based in Providence, Rhode Island. The author of four books—including Patterns of India (Clarkson Potter, 2020)—and a contributor to publications including the New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Elle, Christine has not only earned a reputation as a multi-talented storyteller, but also as a trusted strategist in the lifestyle publishing sector.
From book proposals to publicity, Christine helps fellow business owners and creatives translate their unique skills into marketable concepts. Working with first-time authors and seasoned writers alike, her vast network of editorial relationships and publishing experience has helped clients land contracts with respected publishers, features in top tier publications and even prestigious rankings on the New York Times Best Seller list. Christine also brings a practical understanding of book promotion to her projects, helping clients secure sponsored book tours and paid brand collaborations.
In her own work, Christine has long been inspired by the natural world and the craft of local artisans. From childhood summers in Northern Michigan, to the farms and coastline of her home in New England, to exploring the culture of Rajasthan with her husband, Vijay, she enjoys sharing this passion for discovery with her three young children—Vijay, Vikram and Meera.
Visit her at christinechitnis.com or follow along on Instagram @christine.chitnis
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's photography, describing it as accurate and vibrant. They appreciate the rich color palette and find the book evocative and inspiring, capturing the magic of India and its culture. Readers find the book informative and motivating, providing creative inspiration and motivation.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the book's photography. They find the images complement and enhance the information, providing an accurate and vibrant representation of Rajasthan. The photos are described as beautiful, inspiring, and the author has a good eye for photography.
"...This book is a powerful learning experience because the photographs so wonderfully compliment and underscore the information Christine shares...." Read more
"...I have been carried away by the images and writing in such a surprisingly blissful way. Some have mentioned they wished the book had glossy paper...." Read more
"...Christine's photos are stunning and she truly captures the spirit and incredible beauty of this country...." Read more
"Wonderful cover and inner pages and marvelous pictures all spoiled by using cheap paper. Should have been on glossy paper" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's color palette. They find it reminiscent of rich colors and traditions, making it perfect for studying patterns and colors.
"...photography books are organized by geography, this book is artfully organized by color!..." Read more
"...I disagree. I love the feel of the thick matte pages and the color is still very striking-I am a surface pattern designer and color is one of the..." Read more
"...India and this book brings back what I remember most - the use of color...." Read more
"...for a character design project and this book is perfect for looking at patterns and colors...." Read more
Customers find the book evocative and inspiring. They say it captures the magic and beauty of India through stunning photos. The vibrant colors, textures, and cultures are presented beautifully, creating an immersive experience. Readers mention the photos are like the ultimate souvenir from this region of India.
"...Christine’s photographs and writing come together to create a truly immersive experience...." Read more
"...one to look through over and over again and will be a treasured addition for my coffee table." Read more
"The book contains evocative everyday scenes and is a celebration from the point of view of beautiful if not always stylistically unique..." Read more
"...way through this book has been so incredibly evocative, reminding me of moments I treasure: vivid pink and orange flower petals raining down on me..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and informative. They say it's an essential study for photographers and authors. Readers appreciate the author's fondness for human subjects as well as houses and temples. The book is organized nicely and concise, providing enough information to understand everything clearly.
"...This book is an essential study if you are a photographer or author because Christine skillfully captures the essence of the culture respectfully,..." Read more
"...Christine obviously has great fondness for her human subjects as well as the houses, temples and doorways she photographs...." Read more
"...of every photo is short and to the point, enough to know and understand everything. 10/10" Read more
"...Nicely organized & informative to this western reader with an interest in knowing & seeing more art of India" Read more
Customers like the pattern inspiration in the book.
"A beautiful book depicting all the exquisite patterns of India! Highly recommend" Read more
"This is a beautiful book, brimming with vivid colours, intricate patterns, and keen attention to detail...." Read more
"...make a great gift for friends who love to explore color, textures and patterns." Read more
"Beautiful book with color and pattern inspiration." Read more
Reviews with images
![An Informational and Inspiring Visual Journey Through Rajasthan](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
An Informational and Inspiring Visual Journey Through Rajasthan
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020If you love culture, photography, art, and writing, you will love this intimate and vivid journey through Rajasthan. Christine’s photographs and writing come together to create a truly immersive experience. Throughout the book, Christine provides an abundance of information about Rajasthan and Indian history, as well as Rajasthan’s unique artwork, traditions, industry, and culture.
This book is a powerful learning experience because the photographs so wonderfully compliment and underscore the information Christine shares. I have traveled to India multiple times and this book brought me back there, reconnecting me with India’s vibrant energy and culture. I also learned many things I didn’t yet know about Rajasthan, Hinduism, and Indian culture.
While most travel photography books are organized by geography, this book is artfully organized by color! This book is an essential study if you are a photographer or author because Christine skillfully captures the essence of the culture respectfully, intentionally, and authentically. After reading this book I feel more creatively inspired. I really enjoyed developing a deeper understanding of India and getting to know Christine as well while reading this book.
This book is a beautiful coffee table book but it is much more than that. Most of us that have traveled to India have a deeply personal reason for doing so. Christine shares her personal story beautifully in this book. If you have not yet made the trip to India, this book might just provide that dose of inspiration and motivation to take your own journey very soon.
5.0 out of 5 starsIf you love culture, photography, art, and writing, you will love this intimate and vivid journey through Rajasthan. Christine’s photographs and writing come together to create a truly immersive experience. Throughout the book, Christine provides an abundance of information about Rajasthan and Indian history, as well as Rajasthan’s unique artwork, traditions, industry, and culture.An Informational and Inspiring Visual Journey Through Rajasthan
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020
This book is a powerful learning experience because the photographs so wonderfully compliment and underscore the information Christine shares. I have traveled to India multiple times and this book brought me back there, reconnecting me with India’s vibrant energy and culture. I also learned many things I didn’t yet know about Rajasthan, Hinduism, and Indian culture.
While most travel photography books are organized by geography, this book is artfully organized by color! This book is an essential study if you are a photographer or author because Christine skillfully captures the essence of the culture respectfully, intentionally, and authentically. After reading this book I feel more creatively inspired. I really enjoyed developing a deeper understanding of India and getting to know Christine as well while reading this book.
This book is a beautiful coffee table book but it is much more than that. Most of us that have traveled to India have a deeply personal reason for doing so. Christine shares her personal story beautifully in this book. If you have not yet made the trip to India, this book might just provide that dose of inspiration and motivation to take your own journey very soon.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024I am almost finished with this book and don’t want it to end. I have been carried away by the images and writing in such a surprisingly blissful way. Some have mentioned they wished the book had glossy paper. I disagree. I love the feel of the thick matte pages and the color is still very striking-I am a surface pattern designer and color is one of the things I live by and one of the reasons I purchased this book. I am more than satisfied with this book, I adore it!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024If you love the colors of India, the architecture, the people then this book is for you. Stunning photographs that are well presented. I traveled throughout India and this book brings back what I remember most - the use of color. This is one to look through over and over again and will be a treasured addition for my coffee table.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024Good specialized book.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024El articulo es tal cual como lo imaginaba, su calidad ante todo es muy buena, me encanta sin duda hara ambiente de mi sala más hermoso
- Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025Nice content, I thought the book was bigger but the most important thing is what is in it
- Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021The book contains evocative everyday scenes and is a celebration from the point of view of beautiful if not always stylistically unique photography.
I seem to be seeing more and more books using matte paper even when colors are really important so that wasn't a great choice as far as I was concerned, but doesn't make the experience of the photographs lackluster.
This is a light memory-jogger as far as style and patterns, nothing like a design reference for South Asian heritage patterns. So much can be seen from the preview anyway.
All that aside, this was a dedicated exploration in what it was meant to be. It takes an amount of attention and care to not academize Indian art and style away from Indian life. I certainly do not regret this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2020I turned 18 in India so this country and the people I met there hold a special place in my heart and memory. Working my way through this book has been so incredibly evocative, reminding me of moments I treasure: vivid pink and orange flower petals raining down on me or the smell of spices in the market. Christine's photos are stunning and she truly captures the spirit and incredible beauty of this country. I'm so happy to have such a lovely book in my collection, it's the perfect mental vacation. Plus, its soft pink cover makes it a stand out on a bookshelf or coffee table—just begging you to pick it up again and again. Thank you for sharing your work with us, Christine!
Top reviews from other countries
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Corner HomeReviewed in Mexico on January 8, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Buenas Fotografías
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- JagReviewed in Canada on May 24, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
Beautiful book full of inspiration. Exactly what I needed. The photographs are stunning, paper quality is great. Definitely a book to keep on display
- SinclairReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Quality
Recipient loves India and says that the quality and range of excellent photographs makes it the perfect gift
- KuvReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on December 24, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
Best purchase.
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Pedro ArantesReviewed in Brazil on December 17, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars qualidade e custo benefício/ defeito devido a transporte sem plástico bolha
veio com pequeno defeito devido ao transporte ter sido feito sem plástico bolha. o livro é lindo. a qualidade do material muito boa, comprei de presente pra um amigo e tenho certeza que ele vai adorar.
Pedro Arantesqualidade e custo benefício/ defeito devido a transporte sem plástico bolha
Reviewed in Brazil on December 17, 2020
Images in this review