What better day than World Embroidery Day (celebrated annually on July 30th) to share our work (in progress) on the embroidery map of India! Note that this does not include weaves as we are working on a map just for weaves! But do tell us in the comments below if we have missed anything.
The Embroidery Map of India
Embroidery is a long-standing tradition in India, with roots that date back centuries. Each region of India has its own unique embroidery style, which tells the story of the community and its culture.
One of the oldest forms of Indian embroidery is Kantha stitch, which originated in the state of Bengal. Kantha stitch is a simple running stitch that is used to create beautiful geometric designs.
Another notable embroidery style is crewelwork, which is popular in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Crewelwork is a form of embroidery that uses wool thread and a variety of stitches to create intricate designs.
Indian embroidery is known for its use of vibrant colors and beautiful patterns. At MeMeraki, we have vowed to bring this hidden beauty into the limelight so it doesn't fall into obscurity. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating art form, be sure to check out some of the amazing workshops on traditional embroideries from India!
Here's a list of Traditional Indian Embroideries:
| State/Union Territory |
Embroideries |
| Gujarat |
- Zari Craft
- Dhadki Embroidery
- Amreli Embroidery
- Ahir Embroidery
- Soof Embroidery
- Pakko Embroidery
- Jat Embroidery
- Gotauvn or Gotany Embroidery
- Rabari Embroidery
- Neran Embroidery
- Kambira embroidery
- Khudi Tebha Embroidery
- Kharek embroidery
- Aari embroidery
- Aashavali embroidery (brocade weaving of Gujarat)
- Applique and patch work
- Crewl embroidered leather
- Mukka embroidery
- Parsi embroidery
- Kathiawar embroidery
- Mochi embroidery
- Chinai embroidery
- Banni or Heer bharat
|
| Rajasthan |
- Rebari embroidery
- Shisha work
- Gota Patti or Gota Work
- Meghwal Embroidery/Kashidakari
- Dabka/Dubka Work/ Coiled Metal Embroidery
- Ralli Embroidery
- Camel Decoration Embroidery
- Appliques of Barmer
- Tilonia Applique
- Karchobi
|
| Jammu and Kashmir |
- Sozni embroidery
- Crewl embroidery
- Gabba Embroidery
- Tila/Dori/Metallic Embroidery
- Ari work embroidery
- Rekzar embroidery
- Kashida embroidery
- Papier mache embroidery
- Amli embroidery
- Namda (felting)
|
| Uttar Pradesh |
- Lucknow Zardozi
- Phool Patti ka Kaam (Patti work, Patti ka kaam, Floral and leaf motifs)
- Lucknow Chikan Craft
- Mukaish work
- Jangla (Sikargah) embroidery
- Aughi Embroidery
- Naqsha brocade weaving
|
| Manipur |
- Akoybi embroidery
- Shamilami Embroidery
- Hijay embroidery
- Tindogbi Embroidery
- Maibung Embroidery
- Manipuri embroidery
|
| Karnataka |
- Kasuti embroidery
- Sandur lambani embroidery
- Banjara embroidery
- Lambani/ Banjara embroidery
- Kaudi
|
| Leh Ladhakh |
- Namda (felting)
- Ladhakh embroidery
|
| Punjab |
|
| Arunachal Pradesh |
- Banjara embroidery
- Bead embroidery
- Pachis work
|
| Haryana |
Phulkari is practised in Haryana too! |
| Nagaland |
- Embroidery of the Angami Naga shawls of Nagaland (Main stitches- Taipchi, Pechni, Pashni, Bakhia, Khatao, khatava or katava is cutwork or appliqué , Gitti, Jangira, Murri, Phanda, Jaalis)
|
| Goa |
|
| Assam |
|
| Maharashtra |
- Banjara tribal embroidery and mirror work
- Himru (brocade)
|
| Tamil Nadu |
|
| Himachal Pradesh |
- Chamba Rumal
- Applique Thangkas
|
| Uttarakhand |
- Embroidery with ornamentation with tikris and beads.
|
| Kerela |
- Vaalkanadi
- Syrian embroidery was also practised in Kerala
|
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
- |
| Daman and Diu |
- Crochet and Lace work
- cross stitch work
|
| Lakshadweep |
- Mundu (tradtional attire) is embroidered
|
| Meghalaya |
|
| Mizoram |
- Puanchei (a traditional woven dress) was also traditonally embroidered
|
| Tripura |
|
| Sikkim |
- Menchhyo dress (woven) by the Lepcha community is traditionally embroidered also
|
| Puducherry |
|
| Andhra Pradesh |
|
| Telangana |
- Banjara tribal embroidery and mirror work
|
| Odisha |
- Dongria Kondh
- Applique(Pipli)
|
| Bihar |
|
| Chattisgarh |
|
| Madhya Pradesh |
|
| Bengal |
- Nakshi Kantha
- Balaposh
- Baluchari
- Kantha
|
| Jharkhand |
|
Each Indian embroidery type has a unique story and history behind it. By understanding the meanings and symbols behind these stitches, you can appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into creating each piece.
We hope this list has helped you to understand the beauty of Indian embroideries and the stories they tell!
Studying for UPSC or any other exam? Follow this page for an upcoming quiz! Conducting your own research project on a specific embroidery style? Email us at research@memeraki.com to connect with us.
