Danke ka Kaam
Embroidery
History
Rajasthan's rich history has shaped its vibrant cultural traditions, including metal embroidery, once favored by royalty. Gold and silver embroidery symbolized strength and auspiciousness, making it a preferred choice for clothing and decorative items. A notable style, Danke-ka-kaam from Udaipur, features tiny metal squares worked around zardozi. Originally made of pure gold, dankas are now often silver-plated. This exquisite embroidery continues to reflect Rajasthan’s royal heritage and artistic craftsmanship, preserving its timeless elegance.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS:
1. Fabric
2. Water
3. Bleach
4. Natural and synthetic dyes
5. Printing paste
TOOLS:
1. Wooden printing blocks
2. Printing tables
3. Steaming equipment
4. Washing and drying setup
5. Ironing equipment
Process
The Danka is made from thin, 30 cm × 2 cm metal sheets. A square centimeter or so makes up each piece. A concave depression is created on the plate by lightly hammering the pieces. To be sewn onto the fabric, the pieces have tiny holes pierced in each of their four corners. Prior to beginning the embroidery, the fabric is placed on the adda, a wooden frame, and stretched evenly until the desired pull is achieved. To work on the fabric, the artisans are seated on the ground. Using matching thread and a needle, the Dankas are sewn onto the fabric, starting from the corner and working their way toward the center.
Design and Color
Rich textiles like silk and velvet are typically used for this embroidery, which gives the finished item an opulent sheen. Danke-ka-Kaam typically uses vines, borders, scrolls, paisleys, flowers, sun and moon motifs, and peacocks. Danke-ka-kaam was typically done on textiles with vibrant colors. On danke ka kaam, dark hues like red, green, blue, maroon, pink, yellow, orange, and so on are used.
Product Range
Poshak, consisting of kanchali (blouse), gaghra (skirt), and odhni (veil), now after modernization can be seen on many other clothing as well like sarees, etc.