Introduction

Design Resource

Zardozi Embroidery of Allahabad

The Art of Decorating Cloth

Prof. Bibhudutta Baral, Sushanth C. S., J. Antony William and Anushree Kumar

Introduction

Zardozi:
The traditional art of decorating the cloth by using various precious and semi-precious materials is called as Zardozi. The craft which was done painstakingly by the artisans was patronized by the Nawabs of the Awadh and other royal people. This distinguished style of traditional Indian embroidery have been learned and practiced from generation in various parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Zardozi embroidery is impressively ornamental and profoundly crusted gold thread work has been practiced in various parts of the country. It became popular among the affluent Hindu, Muslim and foreign people. Zardozi is believed to be one of the oldest and most lavish embroidery styles in India. The delicately hand created work is treasured since time immemorial. Today, several families in Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow, Rampur, Bareilly and Farukkabad have revived this old craft to supply exquisite zari embroidery works.

Place:
Allahabad is a major district of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most holy cities of India and a major center for the Kumbha Mela. Located towards the south of the state the district is a hub for tradition, culture and art. Dariyabad is a small place situated 15 km from the main city on the bank on river Yamuna. The place is dominated by Muslims who are involved in the traditional craft of Zardozi. Allahabad is one of the main centers for Zardozi work apart from Lucknow, Varanasi etc.

Zardozi embroidery is hand-stitched embroidery done mainly by the Muslim men. Needle, the main tool used in the process has a hook at the tip which runs up and down through a tightly pulled cloth over a large wooden frame. This form of embroidery involves the use of both the hands, one above the cloth which holds the needle and picks the material and the other from below which ties the stitches. The final exquisite product is an outcome of tremendous skill and lots of patience.

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Zardozi Embroidery of Allahabad