Lakshmi Bai Megyawat

India

Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra

Embroidered Textiles

Two distinctive embroidery traditions from southern India are represented in this booth by the women of the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (a cooperative). The Lambani people are the forebears of the Romani people of Europe.  Vibrant textiles are created by arranging mirrors, brightly colored threads, and shells into numerous designs and a rich repertoire of motifs.  The distinctive mirrored and embroidered dress of Lambani women indicate their married status, and form the dowry of young girls who begin to make them at an early age.  Kasuti embroidery, which dates back to the 8th century, was traditionally used on saris.  Its designs derive from temple sculptures, images of chariots, temple elephants, birds, oil lamps and flowers and vines.  Each pattern begins with a small knot and continues uninterrupted until it returns to the original starting point, without a change of thread. The resulting fabric, in bright hues of red, purple, orange and yellow, is reversible. The Kendra is organized into self-help groups of 15 to 20 women who now include about 300 artisans making mirrored embroideries and 100 embroidering Kasuti.