Indian women always had an affinity towards embroidery. Over the ages Indian embroidery have fascinated millions of people across the world. Zardozi is prevalent from the Rig Veda time. However the Zardozi is a combination of two Persian words. Zar meaning gold and dozi meaning embroidery is a form of Persian embroidery. The various forms of Indian embroidery are appliqué, Kinari, Zardozi, Mirror work, Bagh, Phulkari, Chiaknkari, Kantha, Chamba Rumals, Crewel, Banjara and Kasuti. Zardozi refers to the glittering work, which is weaved with golden and silver thread. Clothes made of Zardozi were mostly worn by kings an people from well to do families in the former days. Other than Delhi, this form of Indian embroidery is widely predominant in Rajasthan, Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh.
Zardozi is a fabulous metal work, where metal blocks are melted and pressed through steel sheets in order to convert it into wires. The are then pressed with hammers to get the desired thinness. Badla refers to the plain wire and when it is woven with a thread it is known as the kasav. Different designs are made namely the sitara and mukaish. Pearls and precious gems are also studded with the Zardozi to make it more attractive and elegant.
Zardozi is a part of the Delhi culture, where it is still practiced. Dilli Haat is a famous market where clothes and other items of Zardozi are sold. The market offers a wide range of accessories, which are masterpieces of Indian art and culture.
Last Updated on 04 July 2011
