“Forest of Form” Exhibition Opens at Rajasthan International Centre
Avinash parasar: A Celebration of Architectural Dialogue Across Civilizations
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Ananya soch: “Forest of Form” Exhibition Opens at Rajasthan International Centre : The Rajasthan International Centre (RIC), in collaboration with the Kota Heritage Society, inaugurated the remarkable exhibition “Forest of Form: The Baluster Column in Cross-Cultural Dialogue.” The exhibition explores the journey of the baluster column — a distinctive architectural form that transcended borders, linking the artistic legacies of Europe, Asia, and India through centuries.
The inaugural session featured an insightful lecture by Ibai Rigby, international scholar from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, titled “The Baluster Column – A Travelling Form Across Europe, Asia and Empire.” Rigby traced the origins, evolution, and ornamental aspects of the baluster column, highlighting its prominence during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, when it became an essential feature of Mughal architecture for its grace and proportion.
A stimulating interactive session followed, moderated by noted archaeologist and heritage expert Dr. Reema Hooja, allowing attendees to delve deeper into architectural dialogues across cultures.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Nihal chand Goyal, Director, RIC; Rakhshat Hooja, Advisor, RIC; Dr. Reema Hooja; Victoria Singh, Founder, Kota Heritage Society; and Ibai Rigby.
Curated by Ibai Rigby, “Forest of Form” celebrates the timeless legacy of the baluster column — tracing its evolution from Renaissance Europe to Mughal India, Rajput architecture, and the colonial era. The exhibition draws inspiration from Major Samuel Swinton Jacob’s celebrated work “The Jaipur Portfolio of Architectural Details” (1890–1913), a cornerstone in the study and preservation of Indian architecture.
The exhibition will remain open to the public from November 9 to 21, 2025, daily between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Exhibition Hall–4 (Lower Ground Floor), Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur.
