The cover features Devpur Darbargadh, a late nineteenth-century heritage property near Bhuj, Kutch. Built by the Jadeja royal family, the palace reflects a distinctive blend of traditional Kutch craftsmanship and European architectural influences, expressed through its intricately carved jharokhas, grand courtyards and richly detailed architectural elements.

Today, Devpur Darbargadh has been thoughtfully restored as a heritage homestay, allowing visitors to experience Kutch's royal legacy, local culture and traditional craftsmanship. It is also home to White Eagles School, an initiative established by the royal family to provide education to children from nearby villages, adding another meaningful chapter to the property's continuing story.

The photograph on this notebook was captured during one of our heritage documentation visits, focusing on the beautifully carved balconies and architectural details that define the character of the palace. Rather than documenting the building as a whole, the image celebrates the craftsmanship that continues to inspire our research across Kutch.

Part of the Field Notes collection, this notebook preserves a moment from the field, transforming heritage documentation into an object designed to be carried, used and collected.