Kutch Embroidery
HISTORY
The embroideries of Kutch, in the western state of Gujarat, contribute in large measure to the cultural history of women’s embroidered textiles anywhere in the world. After the 16th century, some Kutch embroideries were developed for courtly use and trade along with those made for personal use and home adornment. In Kutch, most women use their leisure time to embroider. There are more than 22 types of embroidery belonging to different communities with separate motifs, which have been clubbed up as Kutch embroidery.
Design
Kutch embroidery is characterized by its use of bright colors, mirrors, beads, and intricate and extensive embroidery that embellishes the entire fabric on which it is based. The old work indicates designs, patterns, motifs, and stitches that point clearly to the identity of the community to which the embroiderer belongs.
Styles
Over the years, various clans around the region have appropriated the essential features of Kutch embroidery to create distinctive styles of their own, such as Rabari, Ahir, Mochi, and Mutwa.
Tourist Attractions
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary represents one of the largest seasonal saline wetland areas. During October-November, water dries up and the entire area turns into a saline desert. The sanctuary supports a wide variety of water birds and a bewildering range of mammalian wildlife.
Surkotada is a small, 3.5-acre site northeast of Bhuj, in Gujarat, approximately 50 km from Rapar. It was discovered and excavated by Shri Jagat Pati Joshi of ASI in 1964-1968. The Harappans came to Surkotada around 2300 B.C. and built a fortified citadel and residential annex, made of mud brick, mud lumps, and rubble, containing houses with bathrooms and drains.
Pingleshwar Beach lies close to Mandvi Kutch and is a wonderful attraction and tourist location. This golden sandy beach of Kutch is worth a visit. It also has proximity to the bird sanctuary of Nalia. The beach is also very popular as a wetland and also beautiful wind farms wherein wind energy is trapped. It also attracts a plethora of migratory birds that come here.
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