Embroidery of Madhya Pradesh :

 Embroidery of Madhya Pradesh stands apart for the exceptionality of the intricate work that exhibits the typical style of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The embroidery of Madhya Pradesh is noted for the creativity of the local artisans which reveals the hereditary skills. The craftsmen, by using their intellect and blending the rural styles, create items that stand for imaginative exuberance. The embroidery works of Madhya Pradesh are exemplary as the nomadic people of this state, called Banjaras, are adept at creating a particular type of embroidery work. The embroidery work created by this community has become the identity of this state. Malwa and Nimar districts of Madhya Pradesh, where the Banjaras reside, follow a distinct style of embroidery that has a rural and ethnic touch in the creations.

 Embroidery of Madhya Pradesh by the Banajras :

Embroidery of Madhya Pradesh by the Banajras is done keeping in mind the weave of the cloth. The items embroidered are ghagras (a type of long decorative skirt), borders for blouses, handkerchiefs, small purses and dupattas (stoles used to cover heads). The artisans of this community create designs on the hankies with stem stitch embroidery that is done horizontally instead of vertically. This gives a typical quality and substance to the embroidered items.

The embroidery works of Madhya Pradesh is rich in its creations. The artisans keep an eye on the textured effect which is enhanced by the intelligent use of bright and vibrant coloured yarn. The designs are basically of geometric patterns. Motifs are generally highlighted by the cross-stitch style of embroidery. The artisans involved in the embroidery of Madhya Pradesh stitch the border along the edges of the hankie without following a continuous pattern. Instead of following continuous patterns the artisans create designs by varying the count of the threads and the angular designs are achieved by vertical stitches.

Zari embroidery of Madhya Pradesh :

Zari embroidery of Madhya Pradesh is also an area where the people showcase their talent. This traditional craft is done with metallic threads. It is specially practiced in places like Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore. Zari embroidery of Madhya Pradesh can be observed in purses, bags, cushions, jutties (shoes) and dresses. The richest embroidery of India is the Zari and the zardozi, which is known since late 16th century. This art form was introduced in India by the Mughal invaders. Zari zardozi is a form of embroidery, which came to India from Persia. Its literal translation, Zar means gold and dozi meaning embroidery. Zari zardozi embroidery under goes the process of using metallic-bound threads to sew on the various products. This skill of embroidering practiced by artisans of early days has passed on this trade among their families and local communities. The Muslim communities residing in India initially executed Zardozi work. These Zardozi designs vary from place to place. The states of India, which are involved in making of zardozi works, are Lucknow of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh etc.

 Zardozi is a style of embroidery, which has been in India since the time of Ramayana, Mahabharata. The Actual original process of Zardozi is known as ‘Kalabatun’. Real gold and silver wires were used enclosed along with the silk threads to decorate satin and velvet fabrics. Along with the threads, other rich add-ons such as sequins, beads, precious and semi-precious stones and pearls were also sewn on. These kinds of embroidered works were used in the Mughal Era by the royalty to adorn tent walls in the form of tapestries and wall hangings, as well as on accessories for elephants and horses.

Thus, the intricate yet elegant embroidery of Madhya Pradesh is not flaunted by the people of this state only. The designs have succeeded in wooing the buyers of other Indian states as well.