Dak Bangla

[Historical Terms – in India, formerly] a traveler's rest-house in remote areas or along a dak route. The dak (postal) system relied on relays of runners (or postmen) who hand-carried the mail on long routes and used these half way houses as a rest point for the night. Later these were to become rest houses for travelers and their families. The Dak Bangla collection, reminiscent of a mood, in itself a relic from the days before the words resort, spa, air conditioning and interior design came to stay. These white washed buildings with sloping tiled roofs had a typical look about them and came attached with a garden and most importantly a caretaker cum mali cum cook. The rooms were privy to amazing stories of royalty, politics and even the freedom movement. Enough fodder for Rudyard, Alan and Jim for their books on India.

Along with the scrawny chicken that finds its way in your lightly-spiced curry, courtesy the caretaker, the Dak Bangla Collection of furniture and knick-knacks are relics of a time long gone. The highly distressed, antique tanned, hand stained aesthetic has been achieved by a meticulous process – bringing classic authenticity to each piece. Versatile leather interplays with the strength of metal, as side tables and book shelves adopt slim, streamlined shapes. Curved edges of the legs, as they intersect or by pass each other, add a hint of softness, without detracting from their sturdy metal-framed silhouettes. This old meets modern silhouette is essential also to the straight laced forms of the Filing Cabinet and Loopy Chest. Whimsically named, the Speed Breaker sofas redefine ergonomic heaven. Their bumpy curves fit perfectly against body contours, and the sink-in Sepoy evokes memories of afternoons spent sipping chilled glasses of khus in chikh cooled verandahs. Alongside Portside’s signature furniture range, the Dak Bangla Collection also features a number of accessories including "Board Games" -Backgammon, Chess and Bridge Sets.