Since its  inception in 2012, Atelier Shikaarbagh has quietly and steadily consolidated its reputation as a trusted, and beloved purveyor of the finest quality Indian and French chiffon, satin, tissue and georgette sarees; with occasional custom-designed wedding poshaks, shawls, and evening gowns. 

What began as an exploratory journey into decorative embroideries for cushions, is now growing into a diverse portfolio of hand-dyed, hand-embellished and hand-woven chiffons and tissue drapes. 

The essence of each saree is steeped in heritage craft and design narratives that have stood the test of time. The expression moulds itself to the vision and desires of a proudly Indian wearer; finding their personal signature in a rapidly evolving local, regional, and international fashion and styling arena. 

This seamless amalgamation of essence and expression is evident in the showcase of traditional needlework techniques, like aari, zardozi, fareesha, nakshi, taarajadai (sequin work) , motijod (beadwork), marodi as well as the best of French techniques, such as French knotting, French sequin work, Chantilly lace work, pearl work, silk floss, and crewel work.

The dyeing is exclusively done by 10th generation, in-house dyers. The mutually sacred, respectful relationship - between the families of these experts, and that of Mayankraj’s - goes back about 300+ years. 

The colour palette of Atelier Shikaarbagh is a mix of vibrant jewel tones - spinel pinks, ruby reds, and emerald greens, besides peacock blues, and saffron yellows and oranges. There’s also a vintage English and French-inspired palette, with rose, madder, cerulean, azure, mint, apricot, grape, blush, and sky; besides classic beige tones, white, and black. 

Atelier Shikaarbagh fulfils a gap in the market for fine sarees that harmonise the making of a dramatic statement, and that of understated sophistication. 

Authentic foundation fabrics and raw materials are sourced from the best suppliers in India, Hong Kong and Paris, France.

With the help of his grandmother, the late Maji Sahab Urmila Devi, as well as the late Rajamata Gayatri Devi, Maayankraj was able to hone his expertise in sarees and various costumes. His grandmother had employed a retinue of skilled embroiderers from Dholpur, who now form the core of his team. 

Atelier Shikaarbagh’s loyal, and fast-growing clientele includes Mrs. Kokilaben Ambani, Mrs. Nita Ambani, Mrs. Smriti Z Irani, and members of Indian and International royal families.

Maayankraj holds a Masters in the History of Arts from Maharaja Sayaji Rao University, Vadodara . He is pursuing his Ph.D in ‘The Evolution of Rajput Royal Costumes,’ from Kota Open University. In the year 2010, he recorded ‘Oral History of Costume Traditions’ as a written thesis,  through extensive travel and research. These endeavors have sensitised him greatly, not just to the nuances of his profession, but also to the seeds of future potential therein. 

Maayankraj is also an art and fashion collector, and a watercolour artist. He is polyglot, fluent in French and several regional Indian languages. 

Atelier Shikaarbagh is currently headquartered in Kota (Rajasthan). Maayankraj, who hails from the erstwhile aristocratic family of Kayasthpada, Dholpur, has called Kota his second home since his family moved there in 1965.