New Delhi, Mar 14th: An intimate evening of heritage, history and cultural dialogue unfolded at Ambawatta One, as Kesariya by Urvashi Singh Khimsar was unveiled in the capital. Hosted at Potions: Cocktail Theatre, the evening featured a thoughtful panel discussion on the enduring legacy of the Rathores, bringing together voices from literature, design and cultural storytelling.
The conversation was moderated by Indra Shekhar Singh and featured Raghavendra Rathore, Suhavini Singh, Gajendra Singh Khimsar and the author Urvashi Singh Khimsar. The discussion explored themes of lineage, identity and how Rajput heritage continues to inspire contemporary culture, from literature and design to digital storytelling.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Urvashi Singh Khimsar shared that Kesariya was born out of a desire to document a lineage whose stories have largely remained within family archives. Drawing from personal manuscripts and historical records of the Karamsot Rathores of Kheenvsar, the book revisits centuries of Rajputana history while also interpreting it through a contemporary lens. As a twentieth-generation descendant of Rao Karamsiji, she reflected on how revisiting this legacy was both a deeply personal and historical journey.
Adding to the conversation, Raghavendra Rathore spoke about how heritage shapes identity and creative expression. Known for taking the Jodhpuri bandhgala and breeches to a global audience through his design house, Rathore reflected on how Rajput aesthetics and values of dignity, craftsmanship and tradition continue to influence modern design. “Heritage is not something frozen in time, it is something we reinterpret and carry forward in the way we live and create today,” he noted during the discussion.
For Suhavini Singh, whose platform India Cultural Hub has become a vibrant space for cultural storytelling, the conversation highlighted the importance of making heritage accessible to younger audiences. She spoke about the role of storytelling in connecting historical narratives to contemporary life, emphasising that culture should not feel like a static history lesson but rather a living narrative that evolves with each generation.
The evening also marked the ceremonial unveiling of the book by Sahil Baweja, who welcomed guests to the venue and spoke about creating spaces that encourage meaningful cultural conversations in the city.
Following the discussion, guests gathered for a book signing session with Urvashi Singh Khimsar and an evening of cocktails and conversation.
Eminent personalities including Raghavendra Rathore, Suhavini Singh, Indra Shekhar Singh, and Nandini Singh were present at the gathering, among others, making it an evening that celebrated history, heritage and the enduring spirit of Rajputana.
