Varanasi's Zardozi Embroidery: From Ancient Craft to Global Fame

Varanasi, renowned for its ancient heritage and spiritual significance, is also home to the exquisite Zardozi embroidery. Crafted in the narrow lanes of Lallapura, this intricate art form uses gold, silver, and silk. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag has bolstered the craft, expanding its international reach.

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities and a prominent spiritual center, is celebrated globally for its Zardozi embroidery. This intricate craft is primarily produced in the Lallapura neighborhood, where skilled artisans, including significant contributions from women, create badges, emblems, and garments using zari (gold and silver threads) and silk.

Artisans like Shadab Aalam, whose family has been in the craft for generations, emphasize that the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, awarded in 2013, has significantly increased demand and interest in Zardozi work. 'Since receiving the GI tag, government and non-government sectors have focused more on Zardozi. We are seeing continuous orders and rising demand,' Aalam told ANI.

Interestingly, the craft boasts collaborative efforts between Hindu and Muslim communities. Dr. Rajnikant, a GI expert, highlighted how Varanasi caters to international demands. 'When France President Emmanuel Macron visited in 2018, he was impressed by the live demonstration of Zardozi work,' he said. The GI tag has not only enhanced the market reach of these crafts, extending to Europe, the Gulf, and Asia, but it has also revitalized the traditional craftsmanship.

Artisan Mohammad Rizwan explained that each batch, involving meticulous handiwork, can take around twelve hours to complete. With local to global initiatives like PM Modi's, Varanasi continues to thrive as a hub of global craftsmanship.

(With inputs from agencies.)