Dr. Kruti, NIFT Gandhinagar completes research on Kutchi Embroidery work, visits 34 villages of Kutch for 8 years

The embroidery work from the land of Kutch is an open exhibition of embroidery. ‘The embroidery work done by the women of Rabari, Aahir and Meghwal communities from the desert of Kutch is acclaimed worldwide. For the women residing in this area embroidery is a creative position. The creative minds of the Kutchi women, working minutely with a peaceful mind, possess the excellent legacy of embroidery of the world.’ These are the words expressed by Dr. Kruti Dholakiya Lakhia from NIFT, Gandhinagar who has completed her PhD about Research on Kutchi Embroidery. Dr. Kruti has elaborately and deeply studied the different types of embroidery patterns by visiting villages of Kutch for about eight years continuously, that include outstanding embroidery work from communities and sub communities like Rabari, Jat, Aahir, Meghwal, Pathan, Sindhi, Memon, Darbar, Mutava, Halepotra, Raisipotra, and Node.

Pr. Kruti added,” The specialty of Aari work in Kutchi embroidery work is centuries old. However, currently many changes are visible in the embroidery work. The use of nylon thread has been increased in embroidery work in Lakhpat area. That adds to the shining in the work. After birth of a child in this area they link each event of his/her life in the embroidery work. While a daughter leaves for her in-laws house she carries the items of embroidery work as dowry. Pr.Kruti added,” I have researched on the subject ‘Prevailing Status of Kutch Embroidery and artisan scope of its sustainability and promotion’ under the guidance of Dr. Amita Pandya. The patterns of embroidery work done in border area villages include Pako, Suf, Kharek, Neran, Khudi, Tebha, Kambhira, Chhider, Katari, Mukko, Rabari and Aahir embroidery, Horamji and Gotau. I was the only person when I undertook this task. The people of the border area villages do not know any other language than Kutchhi and Sindhi. Some villages are deprived of enough transport facility. Some had only one bus a day to and from.  Hence, it was must for me to travel with complete and systemic organization. However, after finishing my research I was quite satisfied that I have done proper work in the right direction, by contributing, to keep alive the rich Indian tradition.”