Phulkari Art of Punjab - A Novel Indian Craft

Punjab is a happening place in India. Various craft forms often synchronize with the popular folk music and produce an enchanting effect. People of Punjab are said to be very hard working and diligent at their vocation. Phulakri is predominantly a handiwork of the female folks of Punjab. The literal meaning of phulkari is flowering. This craft involves the embroidery of the flowering patterns on dupattas, shawls and other garments.

Evolution of the Craft:
Phulkari is done with huge interest and enthusiasm by the women. They started doing it in the backdrop of remaining free at home while their husbands were working away in the fields. It started off in the sixteenth century as amateurish disposition and evolved to a developed craft in 19th century.

How Phulkari is Done:
This craft is done as making artistic small darn stitch over the cloth. These stitches are done in innumerable designs making the cloth immensely beautiful. When the stitches are made all over the body of the cloth, the prepared piece is called "Bagh". The base cloth used for this purpose is home-spun, locally-woven and dyed khadi. The thread used is silk yarn also called Pat, that is imported from the various corners of Kashmir, Bengal, China and Afghanistan.

Colors and Designs:
The popular colors used in making phulkari are golden, yellow, crimson, orange, green, blue and pink. You may get to see plenty of designs in geometrical as well as natural patterns. Among figures, prominently of flowers, leaves, birds, animals and of human are popular. The figures of vegetables, pots, buildings, rivers, sun and moon are also displayed quite often. The baghs carrying dhoop-chhaon (sun-shade) patterns are very popular all over Punjab. Similarly, Dhaniya bagh (coriander), Motia Bagh (jasmine), Satranga Bagh (rainbow), Leheria Bagh (wavy) etc. are also very famous. Most sought after phulkaris are said to be Sainehi Phulkaris that carry the scenes of rural Punjab.

Significance of Phulkaris:
Phulkari craft has played a significant role in defining the popular mood of Punjab. The phulkari designing and the scenes displayed on the clothes has been inspiration for various folk songs and other cultural activities. They show the feelings and emotions of the people. Phulkari done garments are exchanged in the familial ties essentially. It is said that bride when leaves for the house of groom, she is given many sets of Baghs to be worn in the in-law's home. They have some religious significance too. They are used as the canopy over the holy scripture of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Some Facts About Indian Arts And Crafts

Every country has its own culture and tradition. It has some history and some story of its origin. It is this history, tradition and cultural values of people that give them a distinct identity. The cultural and traditional value of people along with the history of the place not only gives identity to its people but also decides the art forms of the place. Every country has different forms of arts and culture. Therefore, if you will have an understanding of the place, it will be easier for you to get a better idea about its art as well as craft forms.

You might have checked several specimen of art and craft works of different places. Like any other layman, you have been able to decipher the meaning of some of the specimen but you have failed to decipher the meaning of the rest. Indian art form, which has a rich history, must have amazed you several times and you have tried to get the in depth meaning of the art form. If you are impressed with the Indian art forms and craft works, you need to note some facts about the origin and development of this art form.

Like the arts or crafts work of any other place, Indian art also has a deep connection with its history, tradition and culture. India is a land of people with different cultural background, religion as well as ethnicity. As there is a vast diversity of the culture and tradition of this place, it is quite obvious that the art and craft works of this place will also have a vast diversity. Therefore, to understand art or painting works of India, it is quite obvious that you will need some understanding of the history and culture of the place.

Apart from understanding the intricate details related to the origin of the arts or crafts works in India, you need to know some more facts. If you have the interest of learning about the Indian art forms and craft works, you need to have a complete knowledge of the different types of art forms that are practiced here. Not only that but also you should check out the details of the handmade art and craft works of India. Someone who does have the complete understanding of all these factors will never be able to get the complete idea of the Indian art and crafts.

Indian art pieces have always been a great subject to study. But you should not restrict these marvelous pieces as a mere subject of study. You can use the craft works for decorating your house. The Indian art form has an elegance of its own. Therefore, if you decorate your house with the handmade craft works, it will be easier for you to increase the aesthetic appeal of the house. You can purchase Indian art pieces as well as handmade crafts from any online store selling these products. Therefore, you will not have to face any kind of hassle for decorating your house with beautiful art and craft pieces designed by Indian craftsmen.

Learn About Indian Art And Craft Online

India is a land of culture. It is also a land of multi ethnicity. As people of different religions, castes and communities, India has a wide variation in its culture. Not only the Indian culture but also the art works and the craft forms of India show its diversity. The art forms and the craft works of India have received immense popularity among people. For a time immemorial the Indian art forms have attracted the attention of people from all across the globe and they are interested to know more on this subject.

In the recent years, many students have selected Indian art and craft as a subject of their study. They have travelled all the way to India to get a better idea of the art and craft works. Indian art forms as well as the craft works have a uniqueness of their own. If you are interested to get a better idea of this art form, you will have to check out for the history of this art work. When you are considering about the art forms of India, you should note that it has a rich history and it will not be possible for you to understand the subject if you do not check its history.

If you can travel all the way to India for conducting research work on the subject, it is quite obvious that you will have better chances of presenting an excellent research work. However, if you are interested to know about the Indian arts and crafts work just for your knowledge, traveling all the way to India is not a necessity. You can collect the basic information about Indian crafts and art works from your own place. Several books are available on this subject. You can purchase any of those books and read them thoroughly for understanding the depth of the subject.

You can also check out different e-books that are available online. If you search the internet thoroughly, it will not be a big deal for you to find different books written by experienced authors. When you are looking out for different books written by the experts, it will always be better for you to trust the authentic ones. All the information provided on the internet might not be useful for serving your purpose. So, you should check the authenticity of the source before trusting it. By checking the authentic sources, you may also be able to get relevant information on art and craft ideas.

Many online libraries provide complete details of the Indian art works, craft works and painting. In the online libraries, you will not only be able to find several books but also you will be able to get hold of several old manuscripts. If you check out these manuscripts, you will be able to form a better idea of the beginning and development of Indian art works and craft works. To get the relevant information online, you might have to spend a few dollars but do not make compromises with the authenticity of information for money. Compromising the information for money will only be a waste of your time and effort that you have invested for the work.