A glimpse into Paithan’s Glorious Past: A Recent Exhibition Unveils its Rich Heritage

With the presence of ancient pillars, intricately carved doors, trellised balconies, and stone carvings, one can catch a tantalizing glimpse of what life might have been like in Paithan, known as Pratishthana, over 2,000 years ago. During that time, it served as the capital for illustrious dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Yadavas, and Marathas. Situated just a little over 50 kilometers from Aurangabad city, Paithan thrived as a bustling center of commerce, opulence, and profound influence.

Recently, a sense of this historical vibrancy was briefly rekindled as local residents and textile enthusiasts from across the country gathered to explore “Kāth Padar – Paithani & Beyond.” This exclusive exhibition took place at the Shri Balasaheb Patil Government Museum and was presented by Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in collaboration with Pune-based The Vishwas & Anuradha Memorial (TVAM) Foundation. The event aimed to cast a spotlight on the rich and ancient heritage of this region, which played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the Paithani sari.

_{Repurposed from the original document published in The Hindu}