MOH | Chandi Tilla: A Signature Craft of Punit Balana
Rooted in the architectural heritage of Jaipur’s Sheesh Mahal, Chandi Tilla has evolved across Punit Balana’s collections for almost a decade, returning in MOH through a contemporary lens
At the heart of MOH is Chandi Tilla, one of Punit Balana’s signature crafts and an important part of the house’s design language. Rooted in the architectural heritage of Jaipur, the craft has been part of the designer’s journey for almost a decade, evolving across collections while retaining its distinct identity.
Born from the Sheesh Mahal, 2018
Chandi Tilla was first introduced in 2018 with Gulabi Chauk, a collection inspired by the rich visual heritage of Jaipur. The technique draws from the Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort, known for its intricate detailing and reflective surfaces. Punit Balana interpreted this architectural inspiration through textile, translating the visual character of the Sheesh Mahal onto the garment.
How Chandi Tilla Is Made
The technique uses patra, a lightweight metallic material that is cut into different shapes and carefully placed onto the fabric. Each piece is then surrounded with delicate Kasab embroidery, creating intricate patterns and adding definition to the metallic forms. Together, the two techniques create the richness and reflective quality associated with traditional glasswork, while keeping the garment light and wearable.
Chandi Tilla is a detailed hand-crafted process. Each piece of patra is individually cut and positioned before the Kasab work is added around it. The precision involved in placing each element gives the surface its distinct, almost architectural quality.
The Craft, at a Glance
A Craft That Has Evolved, Yet Stayed Rooted
Since its introduction in Gulabi Chauk, Chandi Tilla has returned across Punit Balana’s collections in different interpretations. While the treatment has evolved, its connection to Jaipur’s architectural heritage has remained constant. Over time, it has become one of the most recognisable craft expressions of the Punit Balana aesthetic.
Chandi Tilla in MOH
For MOH, Punit Balana revisits Chandi Tilla through a more contemporary lens. The craft continues to draw from the grandeur of the Sheesh Mahal, but its expression moves onto modern silhouettes, bringing together the ideas of light, reflection and ornamentation.
This continuity is central to the place Chandi Tilla holds within the house. What began as an exploration of Jaipur’s architectural heritage in 2018 has grown into a signature craft of Punit Balana, one that continues to take on new forms with each collection.
In MOH, Chandi Tilla connects the grandeur of the Sheesh Mahal with the modern Punit Balana woman. It is a craft that brings heritage and contemporary design together through intricate handwork, while remaining distinctly Punit Balana.
