HERITAGE CRAFTS
OF BHAVNAGAR
Bhavnagar State is famous for a cornucopia of arts and crafts, which have been a source of income and livelihood for the people since centuries now. These range from artisanal works made from brass and copper, textile pieces intricately woven from materials such as khadi and silk, as well as artefacts made from delicate beads.
SIHOR METAL CRAFTS
Situated 45 minutes from Bhavnagar city, the quaint town of Sihor would perhaps be a World Heritage Town in another country. The town was once the seat of my ancestors, the warrior Rajputs of Gohilwad before they established their capital in Bhavnagar in 1723.
Metal work has long been a staple practice in this town. With several artisans creating intricate works of art on brass, copper, silver and gold.
However, as demands increased and mass production of utility goods took over the market, the artisans at Sihor stopped their traditional practices and started making daily use goods with zero to no intricacies on them.
Instead, the same, mundane pattern took over the ten-artefact price list. As creativity amongst artists dwindled so did an interest in the new generation leading to fewer artisans practicing the craft now.
After witnessing this decline, we decided to take on the project of reviving the Sihor Metal Crafts. To begin, we researched old designs on artefacts, listing out the ones that stood out the most to us. We also drew inspiration from the historic architectural elements of the town. Using this research as a framework we brought in artisans who were facing financial issues. The idea was to allow them to expand on their creativity with each piece, keeping in mind the general theme and idea that we presented.
Presently, our artefacts include copper bottles, pataras and traditional pooja thali’s. Pataras or treasure chests have been our major focus given that the craft of creating these too seemed to have been declining in the region.
Our pataras are wooden treasure chests, adorned by the choice of metal and embossings. The interiors of the pataras have luscious velvet and can be ordered in three different sizes. Traditionally, pataras would be used by families to pack Indian clothing and daily use utensils that girls would be given prior to being married. Today, our small sized ones can be used for storing trinkets and precious jewels while the medium and large can be used as a decorative in the house or to store linen and clothing.
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Our copper bottles on the other hand are ornamented by metal embossings inspired by the architectural elements of the Sihor Darbargadh. A heritage property that was once the home of the Gohil dynasty and is now being restored by the Bhavnagar Royal Family. Using copper bottles to store water has a cornucopia of health benefits including strengthening ones immunity.
BHARAT KAAM
EMBROIDERY
Hand embroidery is a traditional craft where artisans use a needle and thread to create decorative designs on fabric. The process involves stitching various patterns, motifs, and embellishments onto the fabric by hand. Artisans typically use techniques like satin stitch, chain stitch, and French knots to achieve different textures and effects.
In Gujarat, hand embroidery holds significant cultural and economic value. The state is renowned for its intricate and colourful embroidery styles, with each region having its unique techniques and motifs. Hand embroidery plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and providing livelihoods for many artisans in Gujarat.
In Saurashtra region, hand embroidery is characterised by its vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and mirror work. Artisans often incorporate mirrors, beads, and sequins into their designs, creating dazzling and eye-catching embellishments. The stitches used in Saurashtra embroidery are often bold and elaborate, reflecting the region's rich textile traditions.
