Posts

Applique Craft Work Of India

Image
The Applique Craft is a unique sewing technique where the fabric patches are layered upon a foundation fabric to finally stitch in the same place with the help of a machine or by hand where the raw edges are turned or covered by decorative stitching. Something that stayed skiing with the kings of India irrespective of the situations, was the luxury that can be observed in the fine craftsmanship. Origin and History The history of Applique Craft in India can be traced back to the earlier times in the northern regions of Gujarat, which can be identified with the help of their style of fabrication, composition, patterns, and similar others. The Kathis, Mahajans, the Nomad camel herders, were the prominent producers of applique crafts in the region.  Like patchwork, applique craftwork is the method of constructing or embroidering quilts. This craft is used around the globe to design banners, display items, or on clothes.  How Are The Applique Crafts Made?  The traditional appl...

Khovar Painting

Image
In the tribal villages of Hazaribagh and its adjoining districts in the Indian state of Jharkhand, the mud homes of Adivasi(native) people are adorned with bold figurative murals which are known as Khovar and Sohrai paintings. Khovar paintings mostly done in black and white at the tribal marriage chamber, are considered auspicious and said to bring good luck to newlyweds. 'Koh' meaning a cave and 'var' meaning husband, make up the word Khovar. Symbolizing fertility, the mural-making of Khovar takes place each spring, heralding the marriage season in tribal society.  History of Khovar Paintings   A dozen of Mesolithic rock- art sites in this area indicate a lengthy continuity of mural art in and around the district of Hazaribagh. Khovar wall painting is an age-old tradition of decorating the marriage chamber of the bride and groom. The themes are drawn from the interaction of artists with nature. The forest-dwelling tribals mostly sketch tigers, deer, elephants, peacoc...

Gond Art- A Divine Saga of Dots and Dashes

Image
INDIA  is a country of diversity rich in art and culture. The amalgamation of a variety of cultures and traditions makes INDIA unique in its own way. Paintings, magnificent sculptures, literature, architecture, dance, music, theatres are all great examples of art from ancient times.       Gond painting is one of the most ancient styles of Indian paintings practiced by one of the largest tribal communities named  GOND  in the state of  Madhya Pradesh  mainly in  Patangarh  village in  Dindori  district. This indigenous form of traditional art has incredibly impacted in the global markets at present in various forms. While being the predominant art form of  Madhya   Pradesh ,   Gond art can also be traced in states like  Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh,  and  Odisha.  The word ‘ GOND’  has been derived from the DRAVIDIAN EXPRESSION ‘ KOND’  meaning ‘ GREEN MOUNTAINS’. HI...

Embroideries of India

Image
India is an incredibly rich country when it comes to the craftsmanship brilliance of the diverse artisans all across the country. Embroidery is the art of embellishing fabric or other materials with the help of thread or yard which is applied using a needle. At times, embroidery also involves materials like beads, pearls, quills, and sequins. The fabrics are adorned with motifs, geometric patterns, or abstract designs. In terms of traditional textiles, each state of the country has exhibited its unique expertise in crafts. Likewise, different embroideries can be found in different states that illustrate their novelty and innovation.  Chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, running stitch, cross-stitch, and satin stitch, are a few of the basic and essential techniques of hand embroidery today. The craft incorporates dozens of regional styles varying in materials and techniques. Embroidery in India: Origin Archaeological findings, such as needles and embroidered fabrics around 2000 BC affir...

Sabai Grass Crafts

Image
Sabai Grass ( Eulaliopsis binata ) is a perennial plant that belongs to the grass family and is grown in countries like India, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It is characterized by long leaves which are used for making ropes, pulp for paper production, and many other arts and crafts. In India, Sabai grass is abundantly found in the forest fringes of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in West Bengal and Odisha. Sabai Grass Crafts  It is believed that Sabai grass got its importance during the British era when they found it strong and durable enough for military use. At present Sabai grass, craft making has become very popular in various districts of West Bengal and Odisha like  Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Mayurbhanj,  and  Baripada.  Although earlier it was used for rope-making and making paper pulp, now it is stylized in various ways for making items like  wall hangings, cots, furniture, baskets, decorative boxes,...

Arts and Handicrafts of West Bengal

Image
When it comes to the richness of art and culture, West Bengal stands out to be one of the most unique and diverse states. The various foreign reigns have highly influenced the art and architecture of the state. However, Bengal prides itself on the imprint which it carries beyond the foreign influences, ancient and modern.  The foreign powers play a major role in the gradual changes that influenced the arts and crafts, providing an artistic diversity in the forms of dance, music, traditional handicrafts, painting, and carving. The stronghold of art and creativity makes the state the cultural capital of India . Arts and Handicrafts of West Bengal Dokra   Originated in the Bikna village of Bankura district of West Bengal, Dokra metal craft is considered as one of the oldest forms of metal casting, which dates back to five thousand years ago. The Dokra Damar tribes, the traditional metal-smiths of Bengal have survived the test of times and even in recent years, their handcraf...