Pipli Applique two dancing elephants traditional folk art work handmade design on cloth Orissa India

Bihar

Khatwa patchwork: A Marvel of unique textures and intricate designs

Pipli Applique two dancing elephants traditional folk art work handmade design on cloth Orissa India
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Dive into Bihar's Textile Magic

Bihar, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, is home to many traditional art forms that have been passed down through generations. One such art form is Khatwa Patchwork, or Applique, a stunning craft that has thrived in the region for centuries. Dating back several millennia, this centuries-old practice involves stitching colorful fabric patches onto base fabrics to create beautiful designs.

Embrace Artistic Voyage

Khatwa, a revitalized craft technique, has evolved from its initial forms via women's imaginations, creating a unique and sometimes uncompromising art form. The craft served as storytelling visual media, with the storyteller shown as a woman painting on a simple fabric. The craft has a wide ambit, showcasing ordinary things like stoves, cutting knives, pots and pans in their artwork on one hand  and including instructional drawings of men and women in the nuptial chamber, a key feature of Mithila and Madhubani art, on the other. The Khatwas have drawn from the private realm of sacred art and brought it to the general market through their patchwork technique. Khatwa textiles have enabled women from Patna and Sitamarhi to leave their homes, travel across India, and even present their work overseas, much like Mathila painting did for individual Bihari women.

Showcasing the talent

Khatwa applique patterns are traced onto cloth, then colored material is cut and attached to the foundation cloth. Women weave tales, select colors, and arrange themes to create new dimensions. A master blueprint known as ‘awalkhana’ guides craftspeople and highlights the accomplishments of common women. There are two sorts of applique work: personal and commercial. The custom of creating canopies and tents with applique motifs continues, with men cutting patterns and women sewing. Traditionally, waste fabric was utilized as a raw material, with designs featuring human beings, trees, flowers, animals, and birds. Today, women continue to practise this skill for personal or business reasons, utilizing locally acquired raw materials such as foundation fabric, colored cloth, and sewing thread.


A Hand embroidered swatch using various embroidery stitches and applique work on Nautical (Underwater Theme).

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Bihar

Empowering Artisans and Preserving Heritage

The impact of Khatwa patchwork on local artisans and the economy of Bihar is undeniable. This traditional art form not only provides a livelihood for skilled artisans but also contributes to the cultural heritage and economic development of the region. By promoting and preserving the art of Khatwa patchwork, Bihar can continue to showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world and create opportunities for its artisans to thrive. In 2015, the craft was granted a GI registration, and as a result, khatwa craft is now in great demand nationally and internationally.

Get ready to show off your Khatwa Patchwork style!

Khatwa patchwork is indeed unique. Its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and rich cultural significance make it a must-see for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers. The bustling markets of Patna, the capital city, offer a treasure trove of Khatwa patchwork products, including quilts, bedspreads, wall hangings, and clothing. It’s a must-have! By purchasing Khatwa patchwork, one not only brings home a piece of Bihar's cultural heritage but also supports local artisans, ensuring the continuity of this traditional art form for future generations.