Embroidery

In Rajasthan, `Applique` is sometimes done with embroidery to give a magical style of decoration. This is done on almost all things such as clothes, bed sheets, lampshades and wall hangings. The two the notable `Applique` works of Rajasthan are `Gota` and `Kinari work`. These `Gota` and `Kinari` are golden and silver coloured pieces and laces those are sewn on the cloth. The Muslim craftsman generally prepares these. Here in `gota` work, the embroidery is made on a velvet cloth, which gives it a unique look. The `gota` work uses the `Applique` works in both the classical and folk designs. The `gota` work is mainly done on the costumes for women. Khandela in Shekhawati mainly prepares these items.

Jaisalmar is very famous for all its craftsmanship. Woolen pattu of this place are unique in design and quality. These days the traditional designs have been made contemporary with the increase in today?s demand. Along with this, the famous embroidery mirror work is also very beautiful and adds to the beauty of pattu work. Pretty articles of pattu work are available from costumes, home furnishings, jackets, caps and commercial items.

The Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, inhabited by the Todu community, have developed their own distinctive style of embroidery called pugur, which means flower. The embroidery is done on the shawls by the women folk. The shawl, called poothkuli, has red and black bands that end at intervals of six inches that gives an embossed while the embroidery is done between the gaps in red and black. The most important motif is that of the buffalo horn as the Todas worship the buffalo.

In Andhra Pradesh, the applique work is done in blouses and headscarves worn by the Banjara tribal women are not only embroidered but also decorated with mirror work.

In earlier days The Rabaris amd Sodha Rajputs of western region had an embroidered tradition. This tradition was known as Tinsel. Soon it became a famous embroidery pattern and was used on sarees. Since then it is usually used on sarees. The Mughal Emperors were the ones who introduced zardozi (the gold and silver gilt thread embroidery technique) to India. The saree with zardozi work is today an inextricable part of bridal clothing. The other popular forms of tinsel embroidery are Balla tinsel and khari work

The western region also has a rich embroidered tradition, made famous by ethnic groups such as Rabaris and Sodha Rajputs.