India’s royal houses have long been associated with the patronage of art, architecture, craftsmanship and culture. Continuing this connection with creativity in his own youthful way is 10-year-old Shivraj Sinh Chauhan of the Royal House of Chota Udaipur, a young artist based in Ahmedabad whose growing passion for drawing is closely intertwined with his fascination for India’s history, mythology and cultural heritage.
At just 10 years of age, Shivraj Sinh has already developed a remarkable interest in subjects that go far beyond conventional children’s art. He is particularly fascinated by Hindu gods and mythology, historic forts, Rajputana warriors and Maratha figures. His knowledge of mythology and history often becomes the starting point for what he chooses to draw, allowing him to translate the stories, characters and events that interest him into visual form.
What stands out most is his hunger for drawing. Drawing is not simply an occasional hobby for Shivraj Sinh; it is something he naturally turns to whenever he has an idea, a story in his mind or a historical character he wants to bring to life. His curiosity about the past continually feeds his imagination, while drawing gives him a way to express what he has learned.
History and Heritage Through a Child’s Eyes
Shivraj Sinh’s artistic journey is particularly interesting because of the subjects that capture his imagination. Rather than restricting himself to conventional themes associated with children’s art, he is drawn towards the grandeur of India’s past.
Forts, warriors, gods and historical personalities frequently find their way into his drawings and paintings. His interest in Rajputana warriors naturally resonates with his own heritage, while his fascination with Maratha warriors and personalities reflects a wider curiosity about India’s history and martial traditions.
His knowledge of Hindu mythology also plays an important role in his creative expression. Familiarity with the stories and personalities of Indian mythology gives him a deeper understanding of the subjects he chooses to portray. His drawings of gods and mythological figures combine his interest in these stories with his developing artistic imagination.
For Shivraj Sinh, history and mythology are therefore not merely subjects to read about. They become stories that he can visualise, interpret and recreate through drawing.
His interest in forts is similarly rooted in curiosity. To him, a fort is more than an architectural structure. It represents the people who built it, the rulers who lived around it, the battles fought there and the stories that have survived through generations.
In this way, his artwork is gradually becoming a meeting point between knowledge, imagination and artistic expression.
A Natural Hunger for Drawing
One of the defining characteristics of Shivraj Sinh’s artistic personality is his enthusiasm to draw.
He is constantly curious about new subjects and enjoys putting his ideas onto paper. A historical story, a mythological character, a warrior or an impressive fort can quickly become inspiration for another drawing.
This continuous desire to draw is important at such a young age. Rather than being driven solely by formal instruction, Shivraj Sinh is developing through observation, curiosity, experimentation and repeated practice.
Every drawing becomes an opportunity to explore something new. As his understanding of history and mythology grows, so too does the range of subjects he wants to represent.
His artistic journey is therefore being shaped not only by talent, but by a genuine curiosity and eagerness to create.
Creativity Runs in the Family
Shivraj Sinh’s artistic inclination also has a strong connection with his family environment.
His mother is an accomplished wildlife artist and sculptor, as well as an art teacher, and has herself grown up with a deep connection to art. She is also a member of the Royal Family of Awagarh in Uttar Pradesh, bringing another rich layer
