Handmade in India

BANJARA EMBROIDERY
The Banjara, also called Lambani
or Lambada, are a semi-nomadic
people who reside in south, west
and central India. In the Mughal
era, the community was engaged in
transporting provisions and trading
goods. Their habit of living in
isolated groups, away from others,
characteristic of their nomadic
days, still persists and they live in
the tanda, settlements, on the
fringes of towns.
The Banjara women still wear their traditional mode of
dress which is elaborately embroidered. Silver, brass,
gold, cowries, ivory, animal bone, mirrors and even
plastic are used in embellishing Banjara textiles and
garments. Cowries are very auspicious as they represent
Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Farming is a
principal occupation, though some of them are also
engaged in mining and selling of handicrafts. The women
embroider their own clothes. Lambanis, besides
embroidering their daily apparel also embroider puches
and bags relating to rituals of marriage, childbirth and
festivities.
Inset : Gola and phullaliya used as a
support while carrying water
containers.
1. Detail of embroidery and
applique work on the chatiya,
headcover or veil.
2. Detail view of a kanchali or
blouse, with mirror work
embroidery.
3. Detail of chatiya or veil. The
geometric pattern, called char
mula or four corners, is done
in applique with mirror work
in the centre of each square.
Detail of the border of a phetia, skirt, made out of traditional
khan, blouse fabric on which triangles have been appliqued.
Production Clusters
Bellary district:
Sandur:
Honalli tanda
Raichur district:
Raichur:
Bettadur tanda
Tools
Needle and thread
Scissors
Products
Kanchali - blouse
Phetia - skirt
Chatiya - long head
cover
Pouches and bags
Cushion covers
Wall hangings
SHEET METAL EMBOSSING
The region around Chitradurga is famous for its temples and
forts. The ancestors of the craftsmen in Nayakarahatti village
enjoyed the royal patronage of the Nayakas. They have made
embossed icons of gods and goddesses in copper, brass, silver
and gold for generations. These metal claddings cover the
installed and processional images in the temple and were
considered as votive offerings, donated to the temples by
royal patrons and individuals. They consist of metal repousse
and chasing. The craftsmen also produce embossed
accessories for the main deity such as the prabhadevi, which
is the arch behind the deity with motifs like flowers, lions,
swans, conch shells and kirtimukha or lion heads. The craft is
still flourishing since the religious practices have remained
unchanged. The temples and matths or Hindu religious
establishments, are the main patrons.
Detail of an embossed brass plate depicting the peacock mount
of a goddess.
Production Clusters
Chitradurga
district:
Chitradurga
Mysore district:
Mysore
Mandya district:
Nagamangala
Products
Ritual objects
Kavacha - metal
claddings
Mudi - head
ornaments
Prabhavali - arch
Tools
Hammers, mallets
Chisels
Punches
Craftsman displaying and embossed brass prabhavali or arch,
head of lord Shiva