Prime Minister’s Lounge, Hyderabad

Incredible India Map Artwork. The Prime Minister’s office lounge in Hyderabad now proudly hosts the “Incredible India Map”—a 12 x 11 feet mural that transforms a wall into a tribute to India’s collective identity. A map such as this has never been attempted before. Forged in fire, using the traditional technique of copper enamelling, the artwork fuses glass powder hues on meticulously placed copper wire motifs. It highlights the uniqueness of each state and landmark, creating a stunning visual narrative of the nation’s heritage.

The client envisioned a focal artwork that not only celebrated India’s rich cultural tapestry but also embodied the spirit of innovation through artisanal craftsmanship. The brief called for a large scale, immersive artwork that would become a conversation starter at the Prime Minister’s office lounge.

Our primary aim was to merge traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. The artwork would capture the essence of India by highlighting its distinct regions and cultural landmarks. By choosing copper enamelling, a craft steeped in heritage, and pairing it with contemporary techniques, we set out to create a piece that was as visually arresting as it was culturally significant.

We started out with research on traditional copper enamelling techniques and extensive consultations with artisans—the last traditional artisan family in Maharashtra—to ensure authenticity in every detail. We developed design prototypes that mapped out the copper wire placements and the infusion of glass powder through a precise firing process. This careful orchestration ensured that each copper wire motif and burst of colour was placed deliberately, resulting in a mural that met the client’s expectations and also set a new benchmark for integrating art into architectural spaces.

Throughout the project, challenges such as scaling traditional techniques to a larger format and ensuring the durability of the artwork in a high-traffic lounge, were met with solutions worked out in close collaboration with the artisans. The final installation is a testament to the power of traditional craftsmanship reimagined through a contemporary lens, creating an environment where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.