The voluptuous beauty and hypnotic fragrance of India’s flora has enraptured millions since eternity. From the sensual and wicked Desi Gulab to the musky and racy Genda to the luminous and dreamy Raat ki Rani and the spicy and audacious Neroli, India’s scents whether original to it or a welcomed visitor has enthralled and arrested all human senses. History has its own stories to tell about the impact of India’s floral beauty and fragrances. The Indian rose’s dalliance with Alexander the Great, when he came to India is well known. Bewitched by its intoxicating scent and velvety petals he is said to have sent the beautiful flower to his teacher, Aristotle. Ayurveda and various treatises from the subcontinent dictate the beneficial effects of the rose, along with numerous other flowers in their anti-inflammatory properties and aid in tissue regeneration. From being a cooling agent to being a scintillating, sensuous and sublime medium for lovers, the gulab, the champa and chameli along with countless others are said to be the quintessence of romance even finding a mention in the Kama Sutra. Whether it’s the Night Jasmine blooming selflessly across an aangan or the magnificent lotus in muddy waters, the floral madness of India has been used as a frequent motif from ancient to contemporary times. Perennially seen on paintings and textiles, as a symbol of splendour and purity, it never fails to awe. Retaining its strong relevance to the culture and artisanal traditions of the subcontinent. In romancing a lover or revering the gods, nothing spiritualizes like India’s flowers. The delicate petals of marigold on the mild waves of the Ganges or in the shrines of Sufi saints are testimonials of the faith that flowers encapsulate. Centuries flow in the ever powerful torrent of time. Kingdoms rise and fall into oblivion. Humans arrive and depart. Wars are waged and peaceful times beckon. However, a fragrance lingers. Sometimes on the grave, sometimes in a shrine. Like a memory. Art-chives hopes to rekindle and unveil the haunting and hypnotic fragrances of India. Along with the millions of stories that come with it.