Fostering the vanishing Lambani Art
Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra
Shruthi C S Murthy
Writes about an Art Center in Karnataka’s Sandur
The Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra is an art center in Sandur, located in the Northern part of Karnataka which is working towards bringing national and international recognition to the traditional Lambani art. Lambanis, who originally came from Marwar, now reside mostly in Southern and Middle India. Their ancient mode of dressing is the most colorful one, with a unique glare and glitz. These Banjara/Lambani families are settled in many of the villages around Sandur. This organization markets the Arts & Crafts made by the women in local villages
Dazzled by the beauty of Sandur, Mahatma Gandhi quoted, “See Sandur in September”.
This diminishing art is a pride of the nation. A handicraft center, Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (SKSS) was set up by Sandur Manganese and Iron Ore Limited (SMIORE) in 1984 is working towards bringing the national and international recognition to the traditional Lambani art and other crafts. The cottage industry Smt. Mahalakshmi Mirror & Embroidery Unit is where the lambani style handicrafts, khadi spinning and weaving, cane furniture making and stone artwork take place. This unit was named after the lady, Mahalakshmi, a teacher who noticed the art by the women in the villages. Her idea of setting up this platform for the lambani art was brought to life by the Royal Ghorpade family.
This unit is mostly run by the women where each person takes the responsibility of a group of artisans from the local villages and guides them about the design requirements based on the orders from the market. At SKSS, the raw material like dyed cloth, threads, and various other accessories are supplied to the women artisans. They create magic with their applique patch work and thread embroidery with mirrors, shells, wooden beads, coins and other tiny metallic jewelry to add more shine and elegance to the fabric. The mirror work and intricate thread work with the glitter and charm of the lambani style are spectacular. The exquisite purses, mobile pouches, dresses, waist belts, salwar dupatta, heavily embroidered carry bags, sarees, bed and cushion covers, wall hangings are most of the flashy pieces of the intricate needlework. Cotton/Khadi spinning and weaving are also done here.
The enormous effort of the SKSS to empower the Lambani women and their art is worth an applaud. It works in the marketing and sale of their masterwork. Besides paying remuneration to the artisans, SKSS also provides them their daily food ration and other benefits.
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These traditional folk arts n handicrafts should be appreciated n nurtured, the people making these should be provided a suitable showcase for marketing their art pieces….
It’s always good to see traditional and local arts/culture being preserved and promoted. Well done on helping to get this more widely recognized. Thanks for sharing.
It is a nice work that Smiore has undertaken. The riot of colors in Lambani art , which I think also called the Lambada or Banjara art is amazing and is in sync with their lifestyle. Their mirror work is so famous all over India and maybe the world.
So beautiful! The real traditional work, there’s no doubt about it. And such a great cause too – to empower women who make these gorgeous patterns. Thanks! 🙂
The lambani art is beautiful. The mirror work and the beautiful designs are gorgeous. The hard work that goes into making this is definitely worth each penny!
I love this project. It’s so good to see indigenous people benefiting from their artwork in a substantial way. Plus, it provides a culturally significant memoir of the trip that embodies the spirit of the adventure so much better than a mass produced Chinese t-shirt. Thank you for sharing this piece and your fabulous pictures.
The vibrant style and colours of the Lambani outfits have always fascinated me since childhood. But over the years I can agree the culture has considerably gone unnoticed. The project is truely a great initiative to promote and keep the beautiful artwork by the ladies alive.
How fascinating. I love the beautiful colours and intricate work that goes into these traditional outfits. I wish I had my own piece of lambani art to hang in my room. It would be worth every penny.
I love Indian art and this art from Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra looks so unique! It’s important what these women have set up and I can see it’s legacy. The art is so colourful and photographs beautifully too.
Oh! The people are so creative. I love to visit such local places with rich art and culture. The finishing of the handicrafts is so perfect. I love the mirror work especially. I have come across one such place in Kutch region of Gujarat, India.
The love the riot of colours through these handicrafts and handlooms. Totally love it. I had not heard about Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra before but after reading your post I would love to visit it soon.
Wow these are truly beautiful. Everything in India is SO colorful which I Just die for. Great background and info – really interesting to read!
Southern Indianis my favourite part, hands down. Love the photos in this post, the detail on the traditional dress is just amazing. I’m feeling nostalgic now.
Women who are making these wonderful pieces are really good. Their traditional method should be applauded because it is very labor-intensive and meticulous. I wish I can learn how to do this handicraft. It is so unique.
Thank goodness for SKSS for helping preserve this traditional art. I mean it is so amazing and it’d be such a waste if nobody promotes it. I would love to own a piece of lambani, it is so colorful and beautiful.