India has a very long tradition of arts and crafts, based on age old skills and attention to detail and techniques passed down through generations of artists and artisans. Different cities have their specialties, and the city of Punjab is known throughout the country for their embroidered materials, scarves, pillows, bedspreads and table cloths are some of the pieces that tourists from other parts of the country as well as those traveling abroad, come to purchase and trade. There are many India five star hotels located in Punjab, that make these global shopping trips a pleasure and a luxurious way to spend time in the country. The Punjab artists are well known for their intricate design work using a multitude of colors. One of the motifs used most often in the work from this region is the Phulkar motif. This is to indicate flowers that are growing. Many of the patterns thus contain these various floral creations.
This form of design combined with the vibrant colors has been one of the traditions of the artists for close to two thousand years. References to this type is found in the ancient texts, the poetry of Wais Shah, the most beloved Sufi poet, and even in the scriptures of the Vedas. The present design forms can be traced back to those in use during the fifteenth century under the rule of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Many different forms have developed throughout the years. The designs are placed on cloth that is hand-spun called Khadi. The Punjab designs are specific and require a delicate touch and attention to detail which has been responsible for the works to be the most sought after and cherished. Some of the pieces are so entrenched with the floral designs that the embroidery from Punjab got the nick-name “Bagh” which is the word for garden. Every bit of the material is covered with flowers. This colorful work can be found in the studios of the artisans in Punjab as well as in many of the open air markets throughout the city.
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