Maduve
Category: Furniture
Competitions: Home Competition 2026
Maduve translates to “marriage” or “union” in Kannada. It is a contemporary side table that takes inspiration from my grandmother's life and the two cultures that have shaped her— the one she grew up in and the one she married into. Growing up amidst Coorg's ancient forests, rolling valleys, coffee plantations, and deep-rooted traditions, she experienced a way of life where nature was revered as sacred rather than simply a resource. That philosophy is woven into every aspect of life there —from the stories they tell, to the objects they craft, to the homes they build, and the traditions they uphold. As she pursued education and new opportunities, she left that landscape behind, carrying only fragments of its stories and values. Through this furniture piece, I hope to honour her personal journey while reflecting on how our relationship with nature has gradually shifted—from something deeply woven into everyday life to something increasingly forgotten Made with solid teak wood, the tabletop takes inspiration from the Orchid flower that's native to Coorg and a cherished possession in her garden. The legs take from the curved dagger ‘Ayudha Kaththi’ which is a part of every custom, in celebration or in mourning. Finally, the motif on top is an inlay work of glass mosaic tiles, an interpretation of Kasuti embroidery work traditionally seen on the Lingayat bridal saree. Together, they resolve into the form of a gemstone set in a ring. Through Maduve, I wanted to explore how memories, traditions, and ways of seeing the world can travel with us, finding new forms without losing where they came from. After all, a marriage is more than the union of two people. It is the coming together of histories, cultures, and places that continue to shape who we are, long after we leave them behind.
