NEW DELHI: As Parliamentarians and legislators enter the new Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha complexes on Sunday, they will walk through the corridors of power on carpets hand-created by an over 100-year old company that was set up by three Britishers – FH Oakley, FH Bowden and JAL Taylor – whose artists worked on the intricate designs for the past seven months with peacock and lotus motifs forming the central theme.
OBEETEE, now owned by Kolkata-based businessman Rudra Chatterjee, is a 102-year-old premium manufacturer of hand-knotted carpets that are made at Mirzapur, a town on the banks of the Ganges on Grand Trunk Road in UP. Carpets created by the firm adorn some of the world’s most iconic complexes, palaces, renowned homes, luxury hotels, and government buildings. These include the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, the JW Marriott Essex House New York, The Oberoi Marrakech Morocco, Soho House Chicago. Even Queen Elizabeth II had come to visit the Mirzapur factory in 1995.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the designs for carpets in the central vista, Chatterjee said these carry the signature of India’s cultural history and its beliefs. “The design inspiration for the carpets in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha halls goes beyond mere aesthetics. It draws deeply from India’s rich history and cultural significance. We have tried to capture the essence of India’s heritage and incorporate it into the design of these prestigious spaces.”
The Lok Sabha carpet features peacock motifs, which hold a special place in Indian culture. “The peacock is considered the national bird of India and is revered for its beauty, grace, and symbolism. By incorporating peacock motifs into the design, the carpet pays homage to the cultural and natural heritage of India,” he said.
The design of the Rajya Sabha carpet showcases the exquisite motifs of the lotus, the country’s national flower.
Chatterjee said that each motif, colour choice, and pattern was carefully selected to create a harmonious and visually striking representation of India’s identity within the halls. “The result is not only a stunning visual display but also a testament to the enduring cultural legacy that these spaces represent.”
Speaking about the making of the carpets, crafted in Mirzapur, for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Chatterjee said it was a meticulous and time-consuming process due to their substantial size, measuring up to 17,500 square feet each.
OBEETEE, now owned by Kolkata-based businessman Rudra Chatterjee, is a 102-year-old premium manufacturer of hand-knotted carpets that are made at Mirzapur, a town on the banks of the Ganges on Grand Trunk Road in UP. Carpets created by the firm adorn some of the world’s most iconic complexes, palaces, renowned homes, luxury hotels, and government buildings. These include the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, the JW Marriott Essex House New York, The Oberoi Marrakech Morocco, Soho House Chicago. Even Queen Elizabeth II had come to visit the Mirzapur factory in 1995.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the designs for carpets in the central vista, Chatterjee said these carry the signature of India’s cultural history and its beliefs. “The design inspiration for the carpets in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha halls goes beyond mere aesthetics. It draws deeply from India’s rich history and cultural significance. We have tried to capture the essence of India’s heritage and incorporate it into the design of these prestigious spaces.”
The Lok Sabha carpet features peacock motifs, which hold a special place in Indian culture. “The peacock is considered the national bird of India and is revered for its beauty, grace, and symbolism. By incorporating peacock motifs into the design, the carpet pays homage to the cultural and natural heritage of India,” he said.
The design of the Rajya Sabha carpet showcases the exquisite motifs of the lotus, the country’s national flower.
Chatterjee said that each motif, colour choice, and pattern was carefully selected to create a harmonious and visually striking representation of India’s identity within the halls. “The result is not only a stunning visual display but also a testament to the enduring cultural legacy that these spaces represent.”
Speaking about the making of the carpets, crafted in Mirzapur, for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Chatterjee said it was a meticulous and time-consuming process due to their substantial size, measuring up to 17,500 square feet each.