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MP craftsmen’s products delight locals

Isha Jain, TNN | Jan 16, 2012, 05.40AM IST

LUCKNOW: Some craftsmen from Madhya Pradesh are exhibiting their products at city's Lalit Kala Academy. The Bagh printing, Chanderi and metal works are on a display in the exhibition titled Mrignayani, which will continue till January 22. The exhibition is being organised by Mrignayani, Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, MP government.

"Our purpose is to spread awareness about the traditional crafts. These craftsmen put in all their efforts to produce the best stuff. Their work has got appreciation from people like Indira Gandhi, Kareena Kapoor and others,'' said M L Sharma, manager, Mrignayani, Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, MP government.

Inside the hall, there are rows of intricately weaved saris, suits, scarves, bedsheets bearing Bagh prints. The hand printing, generally with vegetable dyes, was used by the tribals nearly 1,000 years ago. Explaining the process, craftsman Mohd Idrees said, "The cloth (cotton or cotton silk) is first washed in running water and left to dry in the sun. After drying, it is dipped in a solution of castor oil, centura and goat droppings. These substances react with each other to generate heat, which makes the fibre absorbent. The cloth is dipped repeatedly in this solution, and is trampled by foot to produce froth. It is then left to dry on the ground. The logic is that the heat from the ground helps the cloth dry quickly.''

The raw material processing is carried out in tubs whose inner part is made up of copper. This process helps reduce the levels of substances like kerosene and fibine. After the cloth dries, it is left in a solution of tarohar' and `harada' powder and left to dry in the sun.

"It is necessary not to dry in shade because the background colour of the cloth becomes green rather than the desired yellowish. After this, the cloth is ready for printing,'' explained Idrees. Intricate designs are then made by putting the blocks alternatively in the tray containing the dye paste and on the cloth. After the designs are complete, it is left for drying. Once the cloth dries, dyeing begins.

Then there are soft, delicate weaves that come off the loom in Chanderi. Available in subtle shades, saris, suits and other dress materials attract million hearts. Detailing about them, Sharma said, "It is one that Kareena Kapoor wore in Bollywood film `Three Idiots'. It has since been named as 'Kareena pattern'.''

Conceived in Dhaka and brought to India during the reign of Allaudin Khilji, Chanderi has received appreciation from even royals. "It is known for its `nazakat' and `nafaasat','' said Prithviraj for whom hand-woven Chanderi weaving is a family legacy.

On the display is a real zari sari priced at Rs 49,000. With cream cloth, there are nearly 4,000 golden `butis'. Prithviraj said that it takes nearly 37 days to complete one such sari. Other than that, there are saris with khajura border, dhula border, jugnu buta, jaal pallu, 12-inch border and others.

In Chanderi, these craftsmen hold a recent recognition. "The cloth strip that was given to the Commonwealth winners was made up of Chanderi. As it is a distinctive art of the country, the government gave us the opportunity to gift it to the gold cup holders,'' said Sharma.

Other unique items exhibited by the craftsmen were metal articles. Made up of panch dhatu (five metals), there was a conch which showed 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu. Another rare item was a 12-armed Lord Ganesha. "Craftsmen learn about these arts since their birth as it is a family business for them,'' said Sharma.

Rahul Kumar Soni, an artist said, "It feels great when people stop and ask you about the product. We do not want this exclusivity to die; hence, we are here to spread a word about it. We go to different cities so that people learn about the age-old tradition.'' "Shopping for handicrafts is no doubt a classic experience. These artists have regained the lingering ambience of a bygone age which is a treat to the eyes,'' said Anita Saxena, a visitor.