What is zardozi embroidery ?

What is zardozi embroidery:

Zardozi embroidery is a type of embroidery wherein gold and silver threads are used to make exquisite designs on cloth. The embroidery dates back to the time of Rig Veda. There are mentions of zardozi embroidery work done on the attire of Gods. The kings and royals of India have also appreciated this work. It was used profusely on their clothes, royal tents, hangings, etc.

 Initially, the Zardozi embroidery work used to be done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, due to scarcity of these metals, craftsman now uses copper wire, polished with silver and gold and silk thread. The work is precisely famous in places like Lucknow, Hyderabad Bhopal, Delhi, Kashmir, Ajmer and Chennai.

 The embroidery got recognition at the time of the 17th century under the rule of Emperor Akbar. It started declining with the reduction in the royal patronage. Later, the government of India took steps to promote this work and thereby preserve this age-old activity which involves a lot of effort and skill.

 The process of zardozi embroidery starts with a cloth(preferably silk, satin, velvet) stretched on a wooden framework, addaa. The design is traced on the fabric and then the craftsman starts weaving in the threads, gold wire, metal stars, and sequins through the needles and curved hooks. The zardozi work is very intricate and once when it finishes, the fabric/outfit comes out to be really beautiful.

 The Zardozi embroidery gives an outfit a very heavy and royal feel. The designers keep launching gorgeous dresses, belts, shoes, coats, purses, stoles, etc, all donned in zardozi work.  The craftsmen have been continuing the zardozi work since generations in their families and the people who love and understand this work, take care of their outfits as priced possession.