Zardozi: The Story of Golden Thread - Dr. Charu Smita Gupta (Anthropologist)

I’m sure most of you must have heard of Zardozi embroidery. Today this craft has become a mainstay in couture and bridal costumery and can be afforded by many. But there was a time when only the kings and the royals could adorn garments embroidered in Zardozi as it was made using fine gold, silver and precious stones. This magnificent art of metallic embellishment on fabrics added glitter, glamour, opulence and power to their wardrobe. Though this craft was prevalent in India even in ancient times but Zardoz as a class of artisans along with other artisans came to India only in the twelfth century along with the sultanate conquerors. And by the Mughal period, this craft reached its zenith. There were many times this craft lost its patronage and that led to its decline but it always found patronage somewhere else and again became popular. In this episode, listen to Dr. Charu Smita Gupta talking about the historical development of Zardozi in India and how it’s material was transformed over time to make it affordable for the common man. Dr. Charu Smita Gupta is an anthropologist and museologist with a diverse professional experience in the field of cultural traditions of India. She has also written several books including one on our todays topic - 'Zardozi Glittering Gold Embroidery'.