Bharua

Bharua literally means the 'filler stitch'. It is one of the very few stitches used in sujani embroidery in Bihar.

Banjara Embroidery, Andhra Pradesh

The tame less, bold agile grace of the poignant, Lambani embroidery plunges one into the old roaming of the worlds, in a minute. Not tied to any land or material things Banjara mind's eye was always awakened to impermanence and serendipity. Probably, Awareness of the transience, of all things around us heightens the sense of appreciation of beauty.

Lambanis being the jungle wanderers, the children of nature, have no dearth of literature and art. Lambani women particularly are a valuable source of literature and art. The Banjara community is one of the many Indian communities which are most known for their colorful garbs. Their habitation which is always away from the village is known as Tanda. Living away from towns, in communion with the nature they have been able to retain their characteristic culture and heritage for long.

The daughter of the wandering race practices a unique amalgam of pattern darning, mirror work, cross stitch, quilting stitches and patchwork appliqu&aecute; creating uncanny frugal intricacies. A typical Andhra banjara piece stands out for its use of mirrors, vibrant colours, shells, beads that create a kaleidoscopic and gay ensemble. Geometric, floral, animal motifs are integral to the banjara imagination. Vele, Doranaaki, Kalchi, Maali Kanth, Kaliya, Kodiya potte, are colloquial names of stitches, to name a few. These now settled erstwhile exotic nomads have been compromising hugely on their traditional skills, in their negotiations with urbanity.