From Banking to Brushes: Swati Rane on Preserving Indian Heritage Through InHeritage
What happens when a high-flying Vice President at a global bank like Citibank decides to trade corporate ladders for the intricate textures of Indian hand-block prints and traditional paintings? On the latest episode of the American Bhau Podcast, we sat down with Swati Rane, the founder of InHeritage, to discuss her incredible journey from Mumbai’s banking sector to the heart of Germany, and her mission to bring authentic Indian craftsmanship to the global stage.
The Spark: A Gift from the Heart
The story of InHeritage didn’t start in a boardroom; it started with a 50th birthday gift. Living in Germany, Swati wanted to send something truly unique to a friend in America. Having always had a passion for Indian arts, she commissioned a Pattachitra painting from an artist in Odisha. The reaction was overwhelming, not just from her friend, but within herself.
Shortly after, a trip to Jaipur as a tourist changed everything. She met a family of hand-block printers whose younger generation was hesitant to continue the craft because of low financial stability. Swati realized that if these artists weren’t supported, the rich heritage we take for granted—the Paithanis, the Lucknowi kurtas, the block prints—would eventually vanish.
“The purpose of InHeritage is to ensure my children, and yours, know what India truly is. We grow, we earn, but we must take our heritage with us.” — Swati Rane
Bridging the Gap: Customization and Quality
One of the biggest hurdles for Indian artists selling abroad is meeting international standards of size, utility, and color. Swati personally tests most products she sources. Whether it’s ensuring a lamp shade fits a European lamp base or that the colors in a Pattachitra painting match a client’s modern living room, she acts as the bridge between the artist’s tradition and the customer’s lifestyle.
InHeritage offers a wide variety of traditional arts, including:
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Pattachitra (Odisha): Traditional paintings on cloth or dried palm leaves.
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Warli (Maharashtra): Authentic tribal art from the Dahanu-Palghar regions.
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Pitchwai (Rajasthan): Devotional paintings depicting the life of Shreenathji.
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Channapatna (Karnataka): Lacquerware woodcraft and puzzles.
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Soirai Art (Uttarakhand): Earthy paintings made using different types of clay.
The “Why” Behind InHeritage
For Swati, InHeritage isn’t just about decor; it’s about social responsibility. She spoke candidly about the challenges artists face during monsoons or personal family events and how consistent work from international clients provides them with a dignified income.
She also emphasized the importance of women’s entrepreneurship. As a single mother with a corporate career, she balances her 9-to-5 with her passion for InHeritage during weekends and late nights. Her advice to women? “Always have something of your own. Financial independence is the best safety net.”
Bringing Indian Art to Your Home
Whether you are in the US, UK, or Europe, InHeritage makes it possible to own a piece of India that is customized to your taste. From Corporate gifting (like hand-block printed pocket squares or Blue Pottery coasters) to large-scale home decor projects, Swati works directly with artists to ensure every piece tells a story.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: [Link to YouTube Video]
