Haryana, India
Phulkari (Haryana)
The Phulkari tradition of Haryana shares its origins with the Punjabi tradition but has developed its own regional vocabulary. The Haryana style is particularly known for the Bagh form, where embroidery covers the entire cloth surface in a continuous geometric field.
History
The Story Behind the Art
Haryana's Phulkari tradition developed alongside the Punjabi tradition as both regions were part of the historical Punjab. After Partition, they developed distinct regional characteristics.
In Haryana, Phulkari became associated particularly with the geometric Bagh form and specific colour combinations. The tradition was almost entirely a domestic craft practised by women.
Today, Haryana's Phulkari tradition is sustained by craft organisations and individual practitioners.
Techniques
How It Is Made
Haryana Phulkari uses the same darning stitch as the Punjabi tradition, worked from the reverse side on handspun cotton cloth. The characteristic Haryanvi style features a higher proportion of geometric Bagh patterns.
The Bagh form, in which embroidery completely covers the cloth surface, is particularly associated with Haryana. These pieces take months to complete.
Materials Used
- •Handspun khaddar (coarse cotton)
- •Silk thread (pat)
- •Embroidery needle
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