Antique Indian Sideboards

A curated collection of antique Indian sideboards and dowry chests from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, the Rann of Kutch and Sindh — celebrating teak and rosewood craftsmanship from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, alongside vintage and modern pieces.

Indian sideboards and dowry chests blend art and utility. Historically used as strongboxes within the household — safeguarding clothing, jewellery, cash and important textiles — these pieces speak to the vernacular furniture styles of North-Western India. Most are crafted in teak (Tectona grandis) with occasional Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), valued for their strength, rich grain and ability to take painted and carved detail.

Painted & Carved Dowry Chests (Damchiya & Majus)

Damchiya and Majus/Manjus chests are typically front-opening, nearly always in teak, with a small access door and internal storage. They originate across Gujarat, Saurashtra, the Rann of Kutch, Rajasthan and Sindh and are known for vivid paintwork, floral panels, cusped arches, and deep carving. Some community-specific examples — such as ornate Rabari damchiya — feature mirror-work and heavy carved ornament (most commonly circa 1900–1970s). Sindhi majus are often identified by distinctive circular red-lacquer disks on the façade.

Pithara & Pitaro Console Chests

Pithara / Pitaro are dowry chests clad with iron and brass, sometimes set on wheels. Grand examples can have domed tops and impressive scale; where originals are exceptionally large, they are sensitively reduced in height or depth for modern interiors. Reduced-depth pithara chests make striking console chests / sideboards while retaining their architectural presence.

Kothla Majus & Majju (Grid-Panelled & Panelled Chests)

Kothla Majus are grid-panelled chests, usually top-opening, built in robust teak with rhythmic square lattices across the front; some examples also appear on wheels. Majju (most commonly from Rajasthan) are panelled chests that are more square-fronted and taller than most majus; many show a distinctive mihrab-shaped panel on the façade, reinforcing their architectural character.

Reclaimed Teak & Contemporary Indian Sideboards

Alongside antiques, we offer modern pieces inspired by vernacular dowry forms or crafted from reclaimed teak. These rustic sideboards provide generous storage and a lighter, relaxed look — ideal for bathrooms, hallways or contemporary living spaces. Explore our dedicated collection of Reclaimed Teak Sideboards for functional designs tailored to today’s homes.

Materials, Heritage & Craft

Teak (Tectona grandis) and Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) dominate the making of these chests and sideboards for their durability, tight grain and ability to hold carving, paint and metal fittings. While styles are regionally recognisable, Indian dowry furniture remains an under-researched field. For deeper reading on the vernacular furniture of North-Western India, see ongoing work by Vernacular Furniture of India.

Styling for Interiors

Use a painted damchiya or majus to introduce colour and narrative to an entrance hall or dining room; pair with calm walls and a mirror to balance proportion. Iron-clad pithara consoles bring sculptural texture to neutral schemes, while reclaimed teak sideboards deliver everyday practicality with honest materials. Each piece brings the presence of a handmade, storied object — furniture as functional art for design-led homes.