Origin Of Indian Embroidery


'Diversity and yet unity' is what Indian art, culture and traditions are all about. The ability of the society to assimilate external forces and in fact evolve in the process is at the root of the phenomenon. Embroidery art is no expectation.

The Vedic literature of 5000 B.C. makes reference to embroidery work. The ancient ruins of mohenjo Daro of the Indus Valley civilization that flourished in thew period 2000 B.C. also reveals at numerous places. embroidery work as a manifestation of the artistic creativity of the people there.

The rich and exclusive colorful fresco of Ajanta show tha sophistication of the embroidery art prevailing during the Buddhist renaissance. The emperors and the Kings of different periods used embroidery work as symbols of wealth and status.

The use of expensive and exquisite material including gold, pearls and precious stones became conspicuous. Today the form of this art prevails and inexpensive materials have been substituted for the precious metals, without sacrificing the elegance and the beauty of the finished work. Glass beads, wires of different metals and mirrors are some materials of transformation, so that common man also has an access to such embroidery.

The nomadic tribes and invasion from Mughals led to a major impetus of evolution of the entire array of art and culture. Successful assimilation and synthesis without departure from the basics and fundamentals, can be directly attributed to what I refer to above - the unique capability of the society to assimilate newer ideas.

Today, embroidery as a form of art is universal. The impact of foreign influences, figuratively speaking, the globalization of the embroidery art is manifested at the level of technical details. This is seen not only in India today but is also manifested elsewhere.