There is very famous English saying that goes like “History is who we are and why we are the way we are”. This one line is enough to explain how important it is for us to hold on to our roots.
Since we are not the makers of history, history made us; it is important that we embrace what history has for us in its laps. Handmade items have always been the pride of India, and the uniqueness we add to every hand-made product is something incomparable.
The diversity and various cultures of India are evident in every aspect, and the craft of beautifying fabric is no exception. India has always been an artistic country and expressing with the help of art and craft has been in our blood for ages.
From the method of using the needle to the material used to fabricate, something is always new and changing in the various forms of embroidery, and the subject itself is full of surprises. There is an array of forms of embroidery that is popular all across India, below is a few of them which are loved and are an absolute favourite of the International designers. The Indian craft is sought after and loved all across the world in various forms, and one of those arts is the innumerable forms of embroidery. As India is made up of countless small cultures and states, every tradition has a different story to tell
However, Zardozi patterns are confined to bridal wear these days because of its rich and heavy look. For cost-efficient outcomes, instead of using gold, people also use a fine metal thread of copper or silver.
Zardozi pattern can be made on fabrics like Heavy silk, satin, and velvet depending on the occasion. The fabricating of these embroideries is a long and intricate work which requires a lot of patience. So the next time you see a dress or fabric with Zardozi work on it, imagine the amount of hard-work and accuracy that is behind that beautiful outcome.
Kashida is an intricate needlework technique that is required to trace reminiscent motifs like trees, birds, blossoms, and Chinars. These designs are typically displayed on Kashmiri Shawls, Pherans, rugs and stoles. The speciality of this kind of design is that it is typically done in a single-stitch manner.
The types of motifs range from peacocks, roses, roosters, lotuses to dragons. This type of embroidery is a speciality of a Parsi culture and is loved by many International designers.
Mirrors of different sizes and shapes are used to create intriguing patterns. Also called Abhala Bharat Kaam or Shisha, this craft is one of the most exported artworks from India.
Phulkari even has a mention of it in the popular tales of Heer and Ranjha where Phulkari was an essential element of Heer’s attire. Many Indian, as well as International designers, derive inspiration from this embroidery and it is loved by everyone who has an eye for colourful motifs.
The motifs most commonly spotted are community traditions, local flora, and fauna. The designs earlier spotted were made with the help of precious metal, however, to make the embroidery cost-effective, these days the precious metals are replaced with silver strings coated with copper.
The base fabric is usually made up of muslin, voile or cotton. As a derivative, Chikankari is also done with colourful threads to give the fabric a brighter look.
This kind of embroidery has also gained popularity mainly because of its contribution to the women empowerment. Instead of using flora and fauna as motifs, Sujini embroidery depicts social evils like domestic violence and dowry in its art.
This embroidery has played a major role in showcasing women’s aspirations in a patriarchal culture.
The art of decorating fabrics is not restricted to beautifying clothing but has also played a major role in expressing and empowering one’s wills and desires. Next time you come across a beautiful fabric with intricate embroidery, you will be able to infer the rich history and culture it is coming from.
This post was published on February 28, 2019
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