Threads of Legacy: Positioning Chikankari as India's Cultural Heritage in the Global Textile Market
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: India is rich in surface ornamentation techniques by craftsmen. The handicraft industry plays a vital role in the country's economic growth by creating employment, enhancing productivity, and promoting overall prosperity. Rooted in the Mughal era, Chikankari’s delicate needlework has evolved from being an elite luxury to a celebrated symbol of traditional Indian textile artistry. This delicate form of embroidery has been traditionally practiced in and around Lucknow for close to 400 years. This paper examines the global market dynamics of Chikankari, analyzing how globalization, digital marketing, and international collaborations have facilitated its global appeal. The integration of Chikankari into contemporary fashion trends, luxury brands, and home décor showcases the adaptability of this traditional art form. Despite its popularity, challenges such as the threat of machine-made imitations, loss of traditional skills, and the need for sustainable practices persist. The findings underscore the need for policy support, ethical marketing, and education to ensure Chikankari’s legacy thrives globally. This “Threads of Legacy: Positioning Chikankari as India’s Cultural Heritage in the Global Textile Market” presents latest new trends and fashion scenario of Chikankari handicraft products. Paper has been divided into three sub – sections. First subsection focuses on concepts of keywords and objectives of study. Second sub section will discuss methodology of data collection and data analysis and last sub section will provide findings, conclusions. It delves into the origins, evolution, cultural significance, and the recent resurgence of this traditional handcraft. Through analysis of current market trends, global demand, and sustainability narratives, the paper assesses how Chikankari can be preserved, promoted, and globally recognized as a heritage art form, while also contributing to the economic empowerment of artisans.
Author: Mansi
Language: English
Subfield: Museology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6930804428
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