Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Needle Craft Embroidery
Needle Craft Embroidery
Needle Craft embroidery, known as Kasida, is practised widely by women in Mithila homes.

Share this Article:

Needle work is very old art whose wide prevalence in Mithila is attested by Vidyapati in his Kirttilata. Recent works on Indian hand embroidery make no mention of embroidery traditions of Mithila or Bihar without the influence of the outside world. Embroidery was created out of the womens love of decoration in Bihar. According to age-old tradition in Mithila the bride has to carry, at the time of her dviragamana or gauna, different varieties of embroidered clothes (called bhara) along with some other articles designed by her or her mother and grandmother to her husbands house, in a wooden box. This wedding gift, supposed to be an aide - memoire, is a symbolic representation of maternal love, pride, care and devotion. This pursuit of art, generally done in leisure hours, satisfies the women folks inner urge for artistic expression.

Fine Art of Needle craft Embroidery
Bihar Needle Craft  EmbroideryThe Kasida of Bihar closely resembles the kasuti of Mysore in appearance, having a large variety of geometrical patterns. It also abounds in folk - figures and designs. It seems to have a wider range in designs as well as colours. It is universally practised by most women in North Bihar (Mithila) for their personal garments, and household linen is generally embellished with embroidery. Articles of everyday use such as blouses, babys cap, kamarabanda (sash), the front border of the odhani or sari, gerua or takia (pillow covers), masanada - covers, bed covers and gautakia (bolsters) are embroidered.

Procedure of Needle Craft Embroidery
Embroidery has been aptly termed as painting with the needle which, in other words is an embellishment of any material shaped and designed by needle and thread.The Kasida of Bihar has different styles. The chain stitch is known as jhinkana, so called because of the light sound the needle makes when it is pulled through the cloth to work out a design. As this embroidery is done on personal garments the women improvise and give fullest play to inner urges and responses to their environment, filling in the colours with attainting long and short satin stitches. Another variety is all over embroidery, where the embroidery follows the warp and the weft of the woven material which is usually in red. The embroidery is in white, yellow and green thread, where the background is white, blue, black or steel blue is used both with charming effect.

The designs are mostly rectangles, squares, wavy lines and diamonds. Bold patterns are also made with the use of tapes, which are stitched down, in linear patterns. In garments like caps and blouses, the embroidery stitch is combined with applique. Here the overall effect is created by the use of a variety of textures.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Bamboo and Cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Bamboo and cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh have a huge variety from utility items.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.
Crafts of Jharkhand
Mainly dominated by the tribal art the crafts of Jharkhand reflect the color of the state. The handicrafts of this young tribal state are mainly made from naturally available resources and serve the purpose of daily utility.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
Bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland flourish due to the abundant supply of these two materials in the forests of this Indian state.
Crafts of Punjab
Crafts of Punjab have a good demand not only in the local market but also abroad. They present a perfect combination of artistic designs and vibrant colours.
Crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The indigenous crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, speak volumes of the creativity of the people of the region.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the creations.
Terracotta Art in India
Terracotta Art in India traces its history to ancient periods. Various forms of terracotta were found in the excavations of Indus Valley Civilisation and India has been the cradle of terracotta art. The art gradually evolved and made its way to different regions of the country in varied forms.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya display miscellaneous items that catch the fancy of all.
Wood Craft of Manipur
The ancient Indian craft of Wood Craft has seen its evolution in Manipur, from the traditional artistic designs which still sustain their appeal to tourists, to modern utilitarian crafts.
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu is especially known for the six metre high horses. The terracotta form of art is more pronounced in the temples housing the deity of Ayanaar.
Metal Crafts of Manipur
The metal craft of Manipur encompasses the process of smelting of iron from ores and making products in addition to ones made from other metals of brass, copper, bell metal, gold and aluminium.
Ivory Craft in India
Ivory Craft is engraving and carving on ivory that is a medium of artistic expression practiced in many parts of India.
Cane Craft
Cane craft in India showcases the remarkable artistry and skill of artisans. Utilizing the versatile material of cane, they create a diverse range of exquisite products ranging from furniture and baskets to home decor items and accessories.
Applique of Rajasthan
‘Appliqué’ work in Rajasthan echoes the magic of colour whilst offering that oriental charm of multicoloured harmony.
Bamboo Crafts in India
Bamboo crafts in India show a wide variety. Furniture, showpieces, and various home decors made out of bamboo add extra richness to the looks of the house. The art has also expanded to home utility items across the country.
Stone Carving of Manipur
Stone Carving of Manipur primarily encompasses household products like earthen pots and utensils, in the contemporary scenario.
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage that is displayed in the creations.
Aftaba - Metal Craft
Aftaba or Ewer is essentially a Mughal discovery in India. Aftabas were generally used to carry liquids. The vessel generally has a curved shape.
String Puppets of Karnataka
String puppets of Karnataka are hugely popular among the native people as well as in the other states.