Indian Embroidery – True Essence of Indian Creative World
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On August 09, 2015
Getting Familiar With The Different Traditional Styles Of Embroidery In India
Using embroidery to enhance the beauty and appeal of attire is a tradition that has been followed in India since the ancient times. While earlier, the ladies of the house were expected to learn this skill from their mothers and grandmothers, over the past century, the craft developed into an industry helping skilled artisans to earn their bread and butter. Given the cultural diversity of India, it is not surprising that there are several different traditional embroidery trends followed across the length and breadth of this vast nation. These styles differ not only in terms of the complexity of the designs but also the materials used for creating the designs. Some of the most popular styles of embroidery followed in India are discussed below.
Zardozi Work: This is perhaps the most expensive style of embroidery as it is done using threads made of gold and 
silver. Even though this style of embroidery originated in Persia, it has been practiced by Indian artisans for centuries, after it was introduce in the country by the Mughals. For a long time, Zardozi embroidery was used only for decorating the dresses of members of the royal families or extremely rich individuals. It is only in the past half century or so that this form of embroidery has reached the common people.
Banni and Rabri Embroidery: The Banni style of embroidery is mostly practiced by a special group of artisans in
Gujarat known as the Lohana Community, while the Rabri embroidery is practiced by the Rabri Community. The embroidery is renowned for its rich and vibrant colors and designs inspired by architecture. This style mainly features miniature designs, interspersed with mirrors of different shapes and sizes to provide an exclusive look, which in turn makes this embroidery one of the most amazing and distinct forms of this art.
Kashmiri Embroidery: This is yet another popular form of embroidery practiced by artisans in Kashmir. This embroidery is famous for its unique colors, design, texture and technique and is generally carried out on white, off-white or cream colored fabrics made from silk, wool or cotton. This style generally features the images of birds, fruits, flowers and creepers and is known locally by the name of Kashida embroidery.
Chikankari Embroidery: This style of embroidery is predominantly practiced in Uttar Pradesh and especially 
Lucknow. The style was originally created by elegant patterns in white thread on a base fabric made of muslin. However, with the changing times, this embroidery is now also done on a variety of other fabrics including cotton, linen nylon, and georgette, chiffon and synthetic, even though no other color than white is used for embroidery thread.
Kantha Embroidery: This is the traditional form of embroidery practiced in West Bengal and is created with a running style of stitch. It is also famous by the name of Doruka as it was originally used to stitch together piles of worn out silk or muslin clothes. It is used not only for decoration of clothing but other items of household furnishings and accessories.
TOPICS Banni and Rabri EmbroideryChikankari Embroidery:Kantha EmbroideryKashmiri EmbroideryZardozi Work
I had learnt embroidery during college days and I am familiar with few of the stitches you have mentioned in this post. kantha embroidery is new to me, I had not heard about this before and Zardozi work is my all time favorite.
ok regarding the Katha stitch I would like to add a little more info. When a newborn arrives in general practice old clothes of mother, granny , mashi , buya etc are used to wrap the baby. The intention is to wrap the baby in soft cloth to give confort to teh soft skin. folding the clothes bengal women used to creat new designs and patterns like lotus, sunflower, swan, scenary etc using a typical style of stich wuite similar to run stich. This stich is called kantha which latter started making its presence felt in Indian sarees and womenwear.
I feel proud to see all this. These are some of the best embroideries. And, India is really creative. Thank you for showing our culture to the world. This makes me proud.
Wow this is really amazing post and well writing article. I really liked you shared that Indian Embroidery – True Essence of Indian Creative World. Thanks for this ????
Our India is very creative, whether it’s in culture, traditional, handmade things.
Among the above list , chikankari is my favourite.
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It was my pleasure to read this very interesting article. As I love to indulge in this creative craft my self so I have a deep appreciation for embroidery ???? ???? how magical and meditative this is !! Thanks for this lovely share.
It was my pleasure to read this very interesting article. As I love to indulge in this creative craft my self so I have a deep appreciation for embroidery ???? ???? how magical and meditative this is !! Thanks for this lovely share.
Wow, this is a depth article on embroidery. I have came across all these types of embroideries but never knew all of these names . Wonderful.
These are our culture and practice..so good to see those in your article together.. being bengali I well-known about Kantha.And I love to do embroidery and it’s keep my mind calm and I stay in present time..
The embroidery art is fascinating but we often get disloyal stuff which is not real. I think this problem can be avoided once we read this guide as this helps in solving many problems.
I did own a few of these when in college but not anymore. Chikankari is the only one O have now in my wardrobe. The details on all of these are so beautiful.
I love learning more about other culture and I think Indians have truly been placed their mark in embroidery world. The unique designs truly shows and represents your distinct culture and I must say is truly beautiful.
Kashmiri.and chikankari embroidered have a special feel to it. I love them the most. But kantha has never been my type. I am.hearing about Banni and Rabri embroidery for the first time
You have truly brought in the whole India in this post through the embroidery artwork. I am feeling blessed to have at least one piece of all the embroidery work mentioned in the post.
I have a Kashmiri embroidery bedsheet in the exact same design you shared in the pic. Embroidered work looks really elegant and shows the hardwork that goes into it.