Harijan Embroidery
The migratory pattern of the Meghwals is closely associated with the movements of herdsmen like the Rabaris, Charans, Kathis, and Ahirs. Kutch was a country that attracted cattle herders like bees to a honey pot with her readymade lush green Banni pasture land. The Meghwals were indispensable for herders owning large herds of cattle, camels, goats, and sheep. The Meghwals became well versed in tanning and curing of hides, leatherwork, and weaving of wool into blankets and cloth.
They refined their inbuilt talent to the highest level, and their artistic expressions have reached the summit of perfection in their handicrafts. Many of them have won National Awards for their outstanding works of art and have been felicitated by Prime Ministers and Presidents. The pride that they take in their personal achievements has made them walk tall with heads held high, wearing striking garments that proudly proclaim their heritage.
Young girls amass their dowry from childhood. Jewellery, quilts, embroidered wall hangings, utility items, items of personal clothing, and at times even cattle, form part of her dowry. Every girl starts embroidering her dowry articles from an early age of seven or eight, encouraged by her family, neighbours and the community as a whole.
Harijan women use several distinctive styles of embroidery like Neran Bharat, Kacho Bharat, Pakko Bharat, Karekh Bharat, Karekh Kambiri, Mukuoh Bharat, Chopad Bharat and so on.
Seldom does one come across such an array of diverse artistry as that encountered among the Harijans of Kutch. Their name has become synonymous with exquisite needlecraft, tantalising leatherwork, and skilled woodwork that are crafted in glorious colours that epitomise rural Kutchi folk art, done in carefully preserved traditional designs. The compositional charm of Harijan needlework has captured Indian as well as foreign markets with its winning motifs and superb workmanship. In fact, Banni Harijan embroidery is, without doubt, the fastest-selling needlecraft of Kutch, as fabulous pieces of Harijan embroidery can be bought at reasonable prices. Buyers from avant-garde fashion houses all over the world, flock to Harijan villages, not only to buy their stupendous works of art but also to satisfy their irresistible curiosity about the people who possess magic in their fingers.
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