The threads that speak of the rich culture and diversity of India. Read to find out more.

The art of embroidery is decorating the fabrics using thread and needle by making various motifs and patterns. India is known for its various traditional embroideries; each one is different but at the same time unique. With the advent of multiple machines and due to unfair laws by the British government, the handicraft industry suffered a lot, and the artisans started turning away from their crafts. But thanks to many Indian designers who are breathing a new life to these embroideries.

1. Zardozi

It is a linguistic blend of two words Zar means gold and dozi means sewing. And that is what it is precisely, the embroidery using gold or silver threads on velvet, silk, and satin. It was the threadwork worn by the royalty and who’s who of the society. It suffered a great deal under the British rule, but it saw resurgence by Indian designers who took it to new heights with their creations.

2. Chikankari

One of the Lucknow’s gifts to the World, Chikankari is intricate hand embroidery done on a variety of cloth such as muslin, chiffon, silk etc. Initially, it was a whitework embroidery, which means that white threads were used on white fabric. But now it is done with various coloured threads on colourful cloth material.

3. Kantha

It is traditional embroidery which is practised in Bengal and Odisha. Historically, rural women stitched cushions and bedspreads and blankets with thread taken from borders of used clothes. It is a simple running stitch that is used to make attractive motifs and designs such as birds, different shapes and flowers.

4. 4. Phulkari

Other than Sarson da Saag and Makke di roti, Punjab is known for its world-famous Phulkari. The embroidery is stitched in a reversed manner so that design could form in the front. The embroidery is mostly the geometrical designs that don’t leave any gaps and completely fill up the cloth.

5. Mirror work

Also known as Shisha work, it was popularized by Mughals in India. It is known for being most intricate and complicated embroidery; it is a famous handicraft from artisans in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The mirror of different shapes and sizes are covered with colourful threads and embroidery.

With time, a lot of variation and changes have come in method of embroideries, but it remains the testimony of the rich cultural heritage of our country. So, which one is your favourite?