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Craft travels through the hands of craftsmen. Such craftsmanship is a living entity, passed through generations, preserving the essence of culture within its stitches. This thread gracefully weaves through the legacy of 'Aangi' — a traditional blouse worn with the distinctive Ghagri or Ghagro an ethnic skirt from Rajasthan. The Ghagri, a silk gathered skirt, is complemented by the Aangi, a tight choli blouse, and a translucent kanchli, with a coordinating oodhna completing the ensemble. The nad, a waist string, is meticulously crafted by a patwa, a weaver specializing in jewelry strings.
Aangi, a half-sleeved blouse, reflects the rich textile traditions of Shekhawati women, with its V or round neckline and vibrant colors like red, yellow, and blue. The garment, made from cotton or satin, features a back opening fastened with strings, demonstrating both functionality and aesthetics.
In this nuanced realm of textile artistry, a new homegrown brand emerges, spearheaded by the talented mother-daughter duo, Indro Bai and Dr Kanchan Sangwan. "Our brand is a celebration of meticulous craftsmanship of women from Shekhawati. At the heart of Aangiwali is a mission to revive this old age art and provide platform to a mother’s talent. Aangiwali epitomizes the essence of family and community – bridging the gap between tradition and vogue" Dr Kanchan shares.
Dr. Kanchan speaks of Indro Bai, a Shekhawati woman, and her cherished sandook (a wooden trunk) whenever she returns home — filled with a blend of vintage and contemporary garments. Among these treasures are the timeless Aangis, meticulously crafted by both her and her grandmother, symbolizing a shared heritage. The fascination with her mother's vintage collection, particularly the Angi blouses, inspired Dr. Kanchan Sangwan to delve into this rich legacy. A bespoke black Angi, tailored by her mother, became the catalyst for the inception of Aangiwali, a brand dedicated to sharing the exquisite treasures from Indro Bai's sandook with the world.
Shekhawati, an arid desert zone in Northeastern Rajasthan, serves as the cultural backdrop for Aangiwali. Known as the 'open-air art gallery', Shekhawati boasts magnificent architecture adorned with fresco paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. It is a repository of murals, with the largest concentration of wall-painted mansions, forts, and historical buildings in the world. Aangiwali, with its roots deeply embedded in Shekhawati's artistic heritage, endeavors to preserve and showcase the timeless beauty of Aangi and its cultural significance.
In the hands of Indro Bai and her daughter, Aangiwali breathes new life into the age-old craft, ensuring its continuity and relevance in the contemporary world. Aangi, once a symbol of tradition, now transforms into a modern expression of cultural pride through the artistic endeavors of this dynamic mother-daughter duo. As Aangiwali unfurls its creations, it invites connoisseurs of art and culture to partake in a journey where each stitch narrates a story of love, heritage, and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship.
Follow Aangiwali here.
