User:ShivajiDatta1710/sandbox



Buddha And Beyond(B&B)'''

Buddha And Beyond (B&B) was created with a single minded proposition of providing a Global Market to Local Indian Artisans and Weavers who work on intricate designs.

The Handcrafted Handloom Heritage Of India

Started by Shivaji Datta who researched Indian Handcrafted products and Handloom weaves, he has traveled the length and breadth of India traveling in a jeep and staying away from his favorite family back at home, his dogs, sometimes even for months on end. With no money and no tech knowledge with just grit and determination on his side he created a platform www.buddhaandbeyond.com an initiative to create and sustain himself and his loved dogs.

PHULKARI from PUNJAB

Phulkari – floral art from Punjab To create is to express. And, expression is the manifestation of human thoughts and emotions which permeates across the boundaries of mind and morphs in forms of arts and creation. It’s indeed one of the primary natures of man. The older a particular culture is, the more enriched is its art. Among some of the oldest civilization of the world, India, happens to be a witnesses of exquisite art forms that have spread across the frontiers of international border and have been embraced by fellow beings of other lands.

There are many exquisite embroidery patterns prevalent across India. Madhubani, Baluchari, Kantha are some of the most acclaimed art forms hailing from various parts of India. But, the country’s ethnic diversity has actually given rise to a vibrant rainbow of art which assimilates the best of all cultures and has given synthesized something unique. On one hand India has gifted rich art forms to the patrons across globe; and on the other, it has also synthesized arts of other countries in her own unique essence. One such creation is Phulkari. As the name suggests, Phulkari is an artwork on floral motif.

Origin of Phulkari art: Phulkari, one of the most well known creations that bloomed in Punjab even though it had it’s origin in Iran. In Iran the same art is known as Gulkari…the word “Gul” meaning flower. Phulkari perpetuated in Punjab at around 19th century and soon became a very distinctive aspect of Punjabi homes. Whether it was wedding, ceremonies around birth or any other religious ceremonies, Phulkari was just a must have. A hobby, a pastime creation…the art was of common interest to women who spent times together in afternoon; inevitably indulging to discussions while not missing out even a single stroke of needle as they created masterpieces of the art. Interestingly, the art didn’t have any pre documented format…the technicalities just passed via word of mouth as legacies from one generation to the other.

Embroidered designs: Rich embroidery patterns sewn on cotton fabric, better known as Khaddar with threads which were spinned manually loomed and most importantly dyed using natural colors. The Khaddar were mainly of four colors...viz. red, blue, white & black. It’s also available in hues of green, pink. While red was earmarked for young women and also newlyweds, white was more in vogue with older women. Soon, Phulkari became an inherent part of Punjabi weddings and was an important contribution made by      the bride’s family. The design patterns were surely a reflection of the family’s social status. Rich families would supposedly employ embroidery patters which were more enhanced to others; among this darning stitch being one of the most popular.

Bagh: The fondness for rich design patters is highly felt in Bagh. The literal meaning of the word means Garden…as the name suggests some of the Phulari patterns were designed to cover the entire surface of the fabric. Gold, silvery white are some of the dazzling colors that are used in Bagh which not just makes the Phulkari a rich reflection of the familial status but also makes it one of the most enriched creations of art. The importance of the art has never faded away with time…rather it strengthened furthermore. From floral creations the art has embraced geometric patterns which surely meet the taste of urban fashionnistas who have always been experimental when it comes to fashion. The designs are also embedded into sarees, stoles and even bedcovers, thus making it a part of one’s everyday life.

'''Baluchari - from the heart of Bishnupur, Bengal

Green Baluchari saree Art is an embodiment of culture….whether it is a purely hand sculpted idol or a detailed artwork on a drape, art simply reflects the rich cultural heritage of a place. An intricate handwork not only speaks of the artistic caliber of its weaver but also boasts highly of the legacy it carries within itself. Sarees, happen to be one of the finest platforms which truly reflect art and its legacy. Bengal highly boasts of the designs, handworks portrayed on an array of various sarees…whether it is Muslin, Tangail, Taant, all of them depict intricate design works which speaks highly of the heritage that it carries. While Taant, Dhakai sarees are well known for simplicity and grace, Baluchari and Swarnachari just reflect grandeur and glory.

Baluchari work Origin of Baluchari: Baluchari is one of the most eminent creations of Bengal and is predominantly manufactured in Bishnupur district of Bankura, West Bengal. The creation owes its origin to Murshid Kuli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal who adored the art and made it flourish in Bishnupur. He art originally hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The art was practiced in Baluchar district and was named after the district itself. However, after a point of time, due to immense flood the art moved on to Bishnupur. Today, it is a popular art practiced in Bishnupur and Baluchari sarees are adored in the same way like Benarasi, Kanjivaram and other such creations that are earmarked as ‘special’. What makes Baluchari special? The USP of the art is that Baluchari sarees are designed on a particular motif. Mostly incidents or characters from Indian epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata are being portrayed in the drape. A typical Baluchari saree would depict the “Sawamvar of Draupadi” where the bride’s suitors were asked to hit an arrow at the eye of a fish just by looking at its reflection.

Black Swarnachari saree Swarnachari, the golden counterpart: Similar to Baluchari, Swarnachari sarees are also very much in vogue. The specialty of these sarees is that it is weaved in gold threads. The lustrous feel of the garment gives it an ostentatious appearance and makes it highly appreciable among women. It has close similarities with Baluchari except for the fact that silk threads are used in the latter. However, conceptually both are same and just like Baluchari it has intricate designs are depiction of mythologies. Other Motifs: The designs are generally inspired from Mythological stories, like the Ramayana, Mahabharata. It also portrays scenes from the Mughal era for instance the Nawab’s Durbar or depicting women smoking hookah and the like. The drape is available in shades of red, off white with strong hues of gold. The faces behind the creation: The art happens to be one of the richest cultures of Bengal. To produce one master piece it takes more than 100 hours of hard work. Lalu and Bholu are two twin brothers specialize in creating Baluchari sarees. They are like many other artisans work endlessly and contribute to preserve this heritage.

While the creations amaze buyers across globe, it is the relentless hardwork of the artisans which actually gives the Midas touch to drape which makes the creation a must have in every woman’s wardrobe.