For over four decades, Chanakya International has played a pioneering role in the preservation and perpetuation of global craft traditions and textile knowledge. In 2016, the Chanakya School of Craft was established as a non-profit institution dedicated to women’s education and reimagining India’s craft heritage through contemporary practice.

Under the direction of Karishma Swali, whose 25-year engagement with craft has evolved into contemplative expression, the school has established itself as both an educational platform and a site of material investigation, reframing craft’s role within current cultural thought and debate. Karishma Swali and the Chanakya School of Craft have collaborated with celebrated artists Judy Chicago, Mickalene Thomas, Faith Ringgold, Isabella Ducrot and Barthélémy Toguo. In 2024, they presented Cosmic Garden with Madhvi and Manu Parekh at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Most recently, in
2025, En Route, a dialogue with Maria Grazia Chiuri, was presented at the Vatican Apostolic Library during its Jubilee Year celebrations.