Bidri and its Integration in the Global Map

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Taher Siddiqui is a master artisan credited for his dedication to the ancient craft of Bidri art, a tradition with roots tracing back to Persia. Bidri art flourished in Bidar under the Bahamani sultanate during the 14th century, brought to India by Persian artisans. This intricate…

Pixels of Mithila Tradition

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Urwashi Nirala, a Mithila artist from Assam, who stands at the cusp of tradition and modernity through her innovative approach to Mithila Art. Rooted in an ancient tradition known for its vibrant designs and beautiful images, Mithila Art has long been a canvas for depicting cultural…

Binding Together Threads of Tangaliya Heritage

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 In the village of Adhoi in Kutch, Gujarat, Jitendra Dhaiyda is working hard to preserve an age-old tradition. As a Tangaliya weaver, Jitendra carries forward a 700-year legacy that has been cherished by his grandfather and father before him. With twelve years of dedicated experience, Jitendra…

4000 Years of Ajrakh and its Preservation by Artisans

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 Riyaz Khatri’s exceptional work with Ajrakh, a 4000-year-old hand-block printing tradition from Kutch, Gujarat, has garnered him the Traditional Art category award at the Digital Artisans of India Awards 2023-24. Ajrakh is a time-honored art form that utilizes natural dyes and a meticulous resist dyeing process…

From Kashmir to the Rest of the World

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 In Kashmir, Jahangir Bhat is using creative methods of innovation with Aari embroidery, a craft that dates back to the Mughal era. Known locally as Jalakdozi, this embroidery once graced royal garments. Jahangir, with his design education and respect for tradition, is blending these age-old techniques…

From Tilonia to the World: The Hatheli Way

By Digital Empowerment Foundation Published on: August 23, 2024 The SWRC-Barefoot College began its work with crafts in 1974, aiming to integrate traditional crafts into broader community development initiatives. Over time, the craft section of Barefoot College evolved, and in 1992, it became Hatheli Sansthan, an independent registered non-profit society. Their legacy can be traced…