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 colours 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 our amazing workshops on traditional embroideries from India!
Here's a list of traditional forms of Indian embroidery:
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
Phulkari
Paranda
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
Crochet
Jute Macrame
Assam
Ari and Net embroidery
Maharashtra
Banjara tribal embroidery and mirror work
Himru (brocade)
Tamil Nadu
Toda embroidery
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
Khneng Embroidery
Mizoram
Puanchei (a traditional woven dress) was also traditonally embroidered
Tripura
Puanchei
Sikkim
Menchhyo dress (woven) by the Lepcha community is traditionally embroidered also
Puducherry
Crochet
Andhra Pradesh
Kamal kadai
Telangana
Banjara tribal embroidery and mirror work
Odisha
Dongria Kondh
Applique(Pipli)
Bihar
Sujani Embroidery. [Check out Sujani Stoles]
Khatwa applique
Chattisgarh
Marabhai embroidery
Madhya Pradesh
Banjara embroidery
Bengal
Nakshi Kantha
Balaposh
Baluchari
Kantha
Jharkhand
Santha
Each Indian embroidery type has a unique story and history. 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 helped you to understand the beauty and diversity of Indian embroidery traditions and the stories they tell.
About MeMeraki:
MeMeraki (www.memeraki.com) is India’s first ‘culture-tech’ platform using technology to empower and accelerate the artisan creator economy. Their mission is to digitize every heritage art and craft of India to ultimately create sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
MeMeraki's north star is to enable the master artists of India to have a strong digital identity through their work so that these artists can be digital creators for the very first time and have access to a global audience as patrons of their art. Through this process they hope to create new revenue and sustainable income streams for the second biggest employment generator in the country - the craft economy. To do this, they leverage technology scalably while also ensuring that they address United Nation Sustainable Development Goals 1, 12, 10 and 5.
MeMeraki are reimagining the future of the artisan creator economy with artisans as digital creators.
You can follow MeMeraki on Instagram here.
You can find out more information about their workshops, classes, digital creators, and everything else they have going on here.
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