Bareilly Zari Zardoji
Embroidery
History
In the twelfth century, zari-zardozi, originally from Central Asia, arrived in India. The Vedic era has the earliest known written records of zardozi. During the Tughlaq dynasty, the Turks assisted in introducing zardozi to India, where it flourished under royal patronage and gradually spread across different regions, including Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.
Raw Materials and Tools
The raw materials used in Zardozi embroidery include rich fabrics like silk, velvet, and satin, along with metallic wires, gold and silver threads, beads, sequins, and precious or semi-precious stones for embellishment. The essential tools include a wooden embroidery frame (adda) to hold the fabric taut, specialized needles for intricate stitching, small scissors, and tweezers for precise work, ensuring delicate and detailed craftsmanship.
Process
In the zardozi units, the fabric is stretched over a frame that holds it securely in place. This frame resembles the circular frame used in regular hand-stitched or machine embroidery. The fabric is then embroidered using metallic wires and threads and is embellished with beads and sequins. Each piece is created through patient, detailed handwork by skilled artisans.
Design and Color
All Indian states employ the same zari zardozi embroidery technique; the differences lie mainly in the degree and style of design. Under Mughal influence, attractive patterns of flowers, leaves, panchi, and paan were commonly seen adorning fabrics with this embroidery. Over time, traditional motifs have given way to more modern designs in geometric and abstract formats, while still retaining the richness of metallic threads and intricate detailing.
Product Range
Bareilly Zari Zardozi is known for crafting exquisite sarees and blouses, showcasing intricate embroidery with gold and silver threads. This traditional art form blends delicate handwork with rich embellishments, creating elegant and ornate designs. It is also used on lehengas, dupattas, men’s sherwanis, and contemporary fashion accessories, making it highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.
Additional Information
