The Creative Pull Back Home
I’ve always believed creativity isn’t just a skill – it’s the lens through which I see the world. Hi, I’m Nikhil Nagda. For over 23 years, I lived and breathed animation, design, and storytelling across media, education, and creative industries. I had built a career I was proud of. Yet, deep down, there was always this quiet voice…reminding me something was missing.
A few years ago, that voice led me back home – to Kutch, Gujarat. And what a homecoming it was. The rich history. The timeless landscapes. The majestic forts. The hidden artistry tucked away in every corner. It all awakened something inside me – the curious child who used to dream, wonder, and imagine. Every step I took across the land felt like unearthing a treasure chest of forgotten stories.
A Forgotten Grandeur
Most people think of Kutch as the endless white Rann or the vibrant embroidery. And yes, it’s beautiful. But there’s so much more. Centuries ago, Kutch was a flourishing center of opulence and maritime trade. It was a land shaped by visionary rulers, prosperous merchants, and extraordinary artisans – a cultural crossroads where art, architecture, and grandeur thrived. Sadly, much of that story remains untold.
As I travelled through dusty villages, ancient forts, and fading palaces, I began collecting stories. One moment especially changed everything – a visit to my ancestral hometown of Naliya and near by villages. There,
I saw grand havelis crumbling, majestic bungalows abandoned, and the quiet echo of a glorious past. It broke my heart. And it planted a question in my mind: How can we save and document this legacy before it disappears forever?
A Shared Vision, A Studio is Born
That’s when my wife, Bhagyashree – a gifted Fine Artist – and I knew we had to act. We set out on a mission: to revive lost arts, preserve forgotten stories, and spark a movement of awareness around the importance of protecting our roots, our culture, and our identity.
That’s how HOUSE OF KUTCH – or as we lovingly call it, H/O KUTCH – was born. More than a studio, it’s a reflection of everything we stand for: Heritage, Handloom, Handicraft, Hospitality, and the timeless soul of Kutch. Every product we create carries a story – about the people, the places, and the unexplored richness of this extraordinary land.
