She came, she saw, she left captivated

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 14. She came, she saw and she walked away with memories of exquisite and diverse collection of Indian art, craft, culture and tradition. It was a special day for the ``Cottage'' which received the First Lady of Pakistan, Begum Sehba Musharraf, with open arms today.

The setting was perfect. The Central Cottage Industries Emporium had showcased the best of Indian handicrafts and handloom works for a ``well-informed and articulate'' lady. And though she did not buy anything there was a promise of ``a big order soon''.

As Ms. Musharraf's cavalcade entered from the welcome-gate made of traditional and colourful Gujarati ``thumbai'', she was greeted by two small children performing Rajasthan's ``Kachchi ghodi'' folk dance. This was followed by a ``Katputli'' performance.

Thus began the Begum's journey to India's ``cultural superstore''. She had a glimpse of the collection of rare photographs featuring Cottage's prized visitors -- Queen Elizabeth and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Ms. Musharraf evinced keen interest in India's masterpieces sculpted and carved by its celebrated artistes. Two items -- a greenstone statue of Lord Krishna from Orissa and ``Buddha Skeleton'' -- caught her imagination.

``She told us how much she liked the original Buddha Skeleton statue in Lahore,'' said the emporium's Managing Director, Mr. Durgesh Shankar.

She used a magnifying glass to view ``Jesus Christ'' and ``Gita Updesh'' featuring Lord Krishna and Arjuna on rice grain and sandalwood.

``What is really amazing is her understanding of the two cultures that have flourished across the border. She highlighted the similarities of the two cultures,'' said Mr. Shankar.

Ms. Musharraf spent a long time looking at the Kashmiri carpets depicting ``tree of life''. Though Pakistan is famous for its ``Bukhara'' and ``Afghani'' carpets, the silk carpets here were very different and unique, she said while savouring ``malai ladoo'' which she shared with the wife of Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan.

Ms. Musharraf also liked the special collection of Benares and Patola silk and Lucknawi chikkan sarees though she admitted that she did not wear sarees. She praised the collection of Lucknawi Chikan suits, Kashmiri shawls and jackets.

But the day belonged to two persons who had made elaborate preparations for the VIP's visit. One was Ms. Rehana Parveen, who presented Begum Musharraf bangles. Ms. Musharraf was a little disappointed that she could not put ``mehndi'' on her palms. Then there was Ms. Bharati Dayal who gifted her a ``Madhubani'' painting titled ``Friendship''.

The words of her appreciation in the visitor's notebook read -- ``This has been an educational experience. The crafts are very good and exceptional.''

She told the Cottage officials that she would ask Begum Abida Qazi, the wife of Pakistan High Commissioner, Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, who accompanied her, to buy some chikkan suits for her. ``I am looking forward to a big order from the home of Pakistan President,'' said Mr. Shankar, after she left.

But Ms. Musharraf did not leave empty-handed. She was presented a specially-made ``Bidri'' flowervase and coffee table box made of gunmetal with fine silver wire engraving. ``This unique Indian masterpiece from the South is a token of affection and solidarity from the Indian craftsmen to their counterparts in Pakistan,'' added Mr. Shankar.

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