Visiting Material Memories with Aanchal Malhotra
Visiting Material Memories with Aanchal Malhotra
VISITING MATERIAL MEMORIES WITH
Aanchal Malhotra
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Oral historian and writer Aanchal Malhotra’s work leaves a lasting impact on her audience’s perception of history and memory. As we prepare to interview her, it is evident that our shared passion for preserving tradition, albeit through different mediums—clothing for us and writing for her—serves as a powerful common ground.
Malhotra's work is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. Her exploration of this pivotal historical event began with the objects her family carried during the time, leading to the creation of her debut book, "Remnants of a Separation." This marked her journey into collecting and archiving material memories cherished by displaced people.
Her dedication to preserving and sharing the narratives of the past through material artifacts mirrors our own commitment to upholding tradition through clothing, making her an inspiring figure in our shared pursuit of honoring and celebrating heritage. We talked to the author about her day-to-day clothing choices, the true value of heritage clothing, her work, and more.
Q- You wear a great deal of Indian clothing and textiles. What do you like most about it, and what is your go-to Indian ensemble?
My days are usually divided between two major activities – out on fieldwork or writing at my desk. In both cases, I need to be very comfortable, and I find that Indian clothes offer me that comfort.
Of late, I’ve been gravitating towards soft, looser co-ord sets, where there is ease of movement along with style. If I’m going out for an evening event or a lecture, I will almost always drape a sari, because I find them elegant and effortless.
Q- Through your work, your focus is very much on objects that hold an inherent value through memory and meaning. What is a piece of clothing that holds this kind of value for you?
I think anything that speaks of a history – whether that is familial or cultural, either worn by someone before me, or made by an artisan using a technique precious and historic to them.
A silk sari belonging to my nani who I never met, a patch of embroidery that my dadi picked up in Kutch many decades ago that I have now sewn into a kurta, my mother’s wedding suits altered to my size, the scarf she wore during my childhood, the woolen pherans my dadi collected over the years – these are some of the items that I treasure and have been wearing recently with great care and affection.
Q - Do you see benefit in clothing that is intergenerational—worn by a grandmother, mother and daughter with equal love? Is there a piece like this in your family?
If one has had the privilege of inheriting an object from their ancestors, no matter how precious or mundane, it will always offer a pathway into the past. Sometimes, when draping an old sari, you find the faint definition of older pleats made by your mother or grandmother, or when putting on an heirloom ring, you see where the band has eroded due to everyday wear, or the manual watch that you need to wind each day, or the old photos you find in a locket you have been given, or discovering engraved initials on the side of a utensil that has been used by so many people before you.
In all these intimate actions, there is a sense of history and warmth, and of course, connection. For me, inherited objects are often far more precious and meaningful than something new.
Q - Do you have an outfit or ensemble that fits perfectly into your day, especially when you’re playing multiple roles: author, researcher, daughter, granddaughter?
Perhaps, a sari is what feels like a true reflection.
Q - What do you like about clothing by Manan?
That it is timeless, and has never deviated from its own ethos. Trends pass so quickly and unsustainably, yet Manan has always created garments that consider longevity, usability, quality and enduring style.
Every time I wear a Manan outfit, it feels beautiful, comfortable, and effortless. The fabrics are luxurious yet breathable, the silhouettes flattering and relaxed. I know that no matter how long I've had a Manan piece, it will still feel special. The designs stand the test of time.
