By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Riyaz Khatri’s exceptional work with Ajrakh, a 4000-year-old hand-block printing tradition from Kutch, Gujarat, has garnered him the Traditional Art category award at the Digital Artisans of India Awards 2023-24. Ajrakh is a time-honored art form that utilizes natural dyes and a meticulous resist dyeing process…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 In Kashmir, Jahangir Bhat is using creative methods of innovation with Aari embroidery, a craft that dates back to the Mughal era. Known locally as Jalakdozi, this embroidery once graced royal garments. Jahangir, with his design education and respect for tradition, is blending these age-old techniques…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Diskit Dolma, coming to us from Ladakh, is weaving a new story with the ancient art of Aari embroidery through her innovative brand, Superb Ladakh Weaving. Aari embroidery, also known as Jalakdozi, is a handcraft from Kashmir, celebrated for its intricate designs and historical roots tracing…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 The SWRC-Barefoot College began its work with crafts in 1974, aiming to integrate traditional crafts into broader community development initiatives. Over time, the craft section of Barefoot College evolved, and in 1992, it became Hatheli Sansthan, an independent registered non-profit society. Their legacy can be traced…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Kalapuri Foundation is a social enterprise founded in 2018 with a mission to revive and promote traditional Indian handicrafts. Understanding the richness of Indian culture and the discrimination that the artisan community faces, Kalapuri is committed to empowering these artisans by providing them with essential training,…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Tariq Ahmad Mir, the founder of Special Hands of Kashmir, who has turned personal adversity into a story of resilience and empowerment. Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, Tariq has not only overcome significant physical challenges but has also emerged as a…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Anitha N, an artist and curator based in Bengaluru, who works within the traditional textiles skills with the Siddi community in northern Karnataka. Over the past eight years, she has worked closely with Siddi women, focusing on the revival of the ancient quilting art known as…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Chitrakathi is an ancient folk art tradition that dates back to the 17th century in Maharashtra, India. Originating from the village of Pinguli, Chitrakathi combines storytelling with beautiful paintings to bring tales to life. This unique art form has been passed down through generations, keeping the…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 The copper bell-making tradition of Kutch, primarily upheld by the Muslim Lohar community, is a case study to the enduring relationship between craftspeople and the pastoralist communities they serve. These bells, originally crafted for livestock, have evolved over time to become decorative items for homes, musical…
By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Tholu Bommalata, a traditional leather puppetry art from Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh, has undergone a transformation, evolving into modern interior design. This art form involves creating intricate items from goat leather, utilising natural dyes and traditional tools. Artisans in Nimmalakunta use these techniques to produce a variety…