Across Andhra Pradesh, the bright, mirror-flecked embroidery of the Banjaras is hard to miss, the needlework of nomadic tribes as vivid as their way of life. Embroidery in this technique is full of life and rich colour. The Banjaras of Andhra Pradesh express their vivid way of life through festive, richly decorated clothing.
Banjara needle craft is a local tribal craft practised by the “Banjaras” (tribes) of the Telangana region. This isn’t the embroidery of the Gujarati and Kutch Banjaras; it has a look all its own. It has a recognisable style, and its character and vibrancy are matched by an exceptional quality of workmanship. Needlework forms the very heart of the craft, and the patterns rest on simple geometric shapes: squares, triangles and rhombuses.
In the hands of an artisan, the process looks almost impossibly simple. A piece of cloth and a needle are enough to begin, and from there imagination takes over. Intricate stitches in deep shades, along with beads, shells and small mirrors, create magic that flows from skilful fingers.
A defining mark of this work is the abundance of mirrors. A sense of richness comes from filling the background with a simple chain stitch, a herringbone stitch and a long-and-short stitch. Typical pieces include cushion covers, bags, skirts, kurtas, clothing sets for girls and women, blouse pieces, bedspreads and other bits of home décor.
The Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh continually promotes this craft in the market and, in doing so, keeps the tradition alive, lifts the quality of the work and gives artisans access to better raw materials.