Embroidery is one of the most ancient and popular art forms in Indian villages. It has been an integral part of Indian villagers` occupation since the ancient period and has earned popularity in the international market in modern times as well. Embroidery is actually the art or handicraft of beautifying fabric or other materials using needle and thread or yarn. People sometimes use the other materials like metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, sequins, etc. for doing embroidery as well.
Embroidery has been a major occupation and a major source of income for many villages in India, since the ancient period. In most of the villages, the women are engaged with embroidery work. However, there are many villages where the men have also taken embroidery as their principal occupation and they are earning their livelihoods from embroidery. The Indian villagers are engaged in making various types of embroidery, which are famous all over the world. These include Kantha Embroidery, Chikan Embroidery, Kasuti Embroidery, Crochet Embroidery, Zardosi Embroidery, Beaded Embroidery, Needle Craft Embroidery, etc.
The Chikan Embroidery is a major occupation for many villagers in the central Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. They make different types of Chikan work namely Taipchi, Bakhia, Phunda, Murri, Jaali, Hathkati, Pechni, Ghas Patti, Chaana Patti, etc. and earn their livelihoods. The Chikan Embroidery is also a major occupation for many people in Lucknow. A major occupation for the people in the villages of West Bengal is Kantha Embroidery. Many rural women in West Bengal are experts in making wonderful Kanthas, Kantha embroidery handbags, etc. They make Kanthas on order of their neighbours who would use them for daily purposes and the Kanthas are made for marketing purposes as well. The Kasuti Embroidery is a major source of income for many people in the villages of Karnataka, while the Beaded Embroidery provides employment to several villagers in Andhra Pradesh.
Embroidery in Indian villages is a common source of occupation. The people, mainly the women are engaged with embroidery work in the villages and they earn some extra money for their family by doing embroidery work.
