Rakesh Soni, an artisan from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, has spent nearly 25 years keeping the rare Thewa art tradition alive — and his craft recently earned a place on the world stage when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Thewa motif cufflinks to Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a state visit to Slovakia. The cufflinks, featuring intricate 23-carat gold engravings on coloured glass, spotlighted one of India's most distinctive handicraft traditions before a global audience.

A 400-Year-Old Craft Meets the World Stage

Thewa art originates from Pratapgarh district in Rajasthan and has a history spanning nearly 400 years, dating back to the Mughal era. Its defining characteristic is the creation of extremely fine carvings in 23-carat gold on the surface of multicoloured glass — a technique that sets it apart from virtually every other Indian handicraft form. The result is jewellery and decorative artefacts of extraordinary delicacy, each piece demanding days of painstaking work.

Soni learned the craft from his maternal uncle, a Pratapgarh-based artisan who has practised the tradition for years. Though Soni is based in Mandsaur — across the state border in Madhya Pradesh — he has dedicated his career to advancing this Rajasthani art form, earning recognition among collectors and cultural institutions alike.

The Craft Behind the Cufflinks

According to Soni, creating a single set of Thewa jewellery takes approximately three days. The process involves engraving minutely detailed designs onto gold foil, which is then fused onto coloured glass — a method that demands both technical precision and artistic vision. 'I have been engaged in this craft for the past 25 years. It took considerable effort to learn and advance this art form. It involves extremely intricate work; creating a single set takes about three days. This is an art form that dates back nearly 400 years, originating in the Mughal era,' Soni said.

The cufflinks presented to President Pellegrini were among the more prominent diplomatic uses of Thewa art, reflecting the Indian government's broader effort to showcase traditional crafts in official gifting.

Soni's Special Brooch for the Prime Minister

Inspired by the international attention, Soni has crafted a special Thewa art brooch intended as a personal gift for Prime Minister Modi. He hopes presenting the brooch directly to the Prime Minister will bring closer appreciation of the artistry and dedication embedded in the craft. Soni expressed gratitude to Modi for the visibility the Slovakia gift has generated, saying he is 'delighted by the way PM Modi brought global recognition to Thewa art.'

Employment and Cultural Significance

Beyond its artistic value, Thewa art is increasingly recognised as a source of livelihood and cultural identity. The craft today sustains artisans across Pratapgarh and has attracted interest from art enthusiasts both domestically and internationally. It has been acknowledged as a cherished symbol of India's intangible cultural heritage.

As Indian handicrafts gain fresh momentum through diplomatic channels, Soni's story illustrates how a single artisan's dedication — sustained over decades — can help an ancient tradition find new relevance on the global stage.