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Punjab - Art & Craft
Being a place of rich cultural heritage, Punjab is famous for the art &
craft. The whole of Punjab has got a rich and hoary tradition of
decorative designs and handicrafts. There are so many prove that support
the fact that Punjab has a wide assortment of invaluable handicraft that
the people have treasured them since centuries. The museums are the best
places to visit in order to see some of the examples.
Punjab is one of the largest state in
India. Many races of people and religions made up the cultural heritage
of the Punjab. The genius of Punjabis finds expression in love stories,
lusty dancing, and humor. Punjab is very rich in terms of dance. Most
popular Punjabi dances are - Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, Luddi, Dankara
Julli, Sammi, Dhamal, Jaago, Kikli and Gatka. These days, many
non-Punjabis are also getting into Punjab's folk dances, as you
occasionally see a European or Chinese in various Bhangra competitions.
These non-Punjabis have simply made Punjabi dance a part of their own
culture as well.
People of Punjab entertain themselves
in a variety of ways. The mirasis (professional wits), naqalias
(mummers), and domanis (female singer-actresses) are professional
performers belonging to the lower classes. They exploit all the tricks
of exaggeration, absurdity, malapropism, comic gags, and lewd
references. One of the popular organized forms of work and entertainment
for young girls is Tirinjen - where the girls spin and sing. Tirinjen is
a kind of social club, which can be organized in any home, where place
for spinning wheels and the girls are available for a day/night. The
girls would sing and dance, would express their sorrow and happiness,
pangs of separation and joy of meeting.
The spinning wheel plays a significant
role in the life of the women, as a companion, counselor in distress,
friend and guide. The games in Punjab are suitable for children, youth,
adult and old people alike. Many of these games have been lost in the
evolution of history, and the ones that remain are losing for perhaps
these are not in fashion except a few which still survive. These include
dangals (wrestling bouts), folk songs and dances, kite flying, cock
fights, etc. Kites, a favourite pastime of the Punjabis, are known by
its various names - Guddi, Gudda, Mashli, koop, patang. Various
festivals such as Basant Panchami (spring festival) provided special
occasions for flying kites. Artistically designed kites, likes of which
in my opinion are not made anywhere else in India, are available in many
sizes.
In some Pahari miniatures, one can get
a glimpse of typically Punjabi kites. Art is described as a creation or
expression of something beautiful especially in a visual form and Arts
and Crafts as a phrase means decorative designs and handicrafts. Punjab
is famous for its Crafts work. The onslaught of high technology is
putting a premium on the arts and crafts in the modern era. Various
crafts famous in Punjab are:
- Needle work
Needlework of Punjab is unique, it has beautiful names because of its
associations with beautiful aspects of life and the beautiful designs,
which the dextrous fingers of Punjab’s proverbially beautiful women
create, have such a wealth of forms and motifs that they defy
enumeration. Phulkari meaning Flower work is a spectacular style of
embroidery peculiar to punjab and an essential part of everyday life.
Almost every ceremony in which women participate is given a touch of
additional colour and richness by the use of Phulkari on account of
its being considered auspicious and a sign of 'Suhag'. Some of these
are called Baghs, literally a garden, Phulkaris, literally flower
work, rummals, scarfs. The patterns of needlework done on the
bedspreads, chunnis, dupattas (these are head covers) and shirts and
Salvars, are still different.
- Punjabi Juttis
The shoes made in different parts of Punjab out of self-lured leather
have different traditions. Light shoes were considered the best and to
explain this aspect the cobblers used to say that even the sparrows
could fly with them. Earlier shoes, which have come to be known as
Punjabi Juttis throughout the world were embroidered with gold and
silver wires all over in different patterns covering every parts of
the pair so that it looked as if it was made of solid gold and silver.
Now even when golden and silver threads are used to embroider these
shoes, the quality of these world famous shoes is still maintained.
- Basketry
The craft of basketry is widely practiced all over Punjab. After
shaving, thin straws of this grass, are woven into beautiful carpets,
curtains etc. Among these products the hand fan is very popular and
fascinating on account of its curled shape. These fans are popularly
known as Peshawari Pakkhe. The ones smaller in size are very fine and
delicate. These are called Kundaldar Pakkhi on account of their curled
ends. Another useful household contrivance called Chhaj in Punjabi was
manufactured out of sarcanda, which is used for separating edible
stuff from .the grain. The basket ware was intended to fulfill only
the daily needs of the people. In most cases, no effort was made to
give them a decorative or artistic touch.
- Wood Work
The woodwork of Punjab has been traditionally famous. Artistic beds
with comfortable, skillfully made back rests fitted with mirrors, low
seats called Peeras, Peerian were made by carpenters in almost every
village. Furniture designed in Punjab and boxes, toys and decorative
pieces made out of lacquer finish to wood crafts, in adorning it with
engraving wood, inlaying ivory (now white plastic only) the workmen of
Punjab have been renowned. Woodcarving in Punjab is practiced in
Batala, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur.
- Clay Toys and Pottery
The indigenous traditional clay toys had a decisive psychological
effect upon children. They also reflect their sensibilities. The
inherent sensibility in the young mind could be properly poked, guided
and fostered from early childhood through the judicious choice of
playthings of taste and beauty. Toys are made of wood, clay, paper and
cloth. Deeva or Clay lamps are made expressly on the occasion of
Diwali.
- Metal Work
Metalwork is the most important of Punjab's arts and crafts. The
common use of metal objects in daily life has necessitated the
evolving of various products and techniques. The metalworkers of
Amritsar are known for their skill in various forms of casting,
soldering, methods of decoration such as repousse, pierced work,
chasing, engraving, etc. The housewife in her kitchen uses metal pots
and other utensils. Metal objects are necessary for religious rituals
in the homes as well as in the temples. Among these objects are
included temple lamps and trumpets (Narasinga). Decorative objects are
for those who can afford them.
- Hand Printing
In Punjab, there was a particular community of textile workers called
"Chhimba". They used to print khaddar cloth with hand blocks. In most
cases, the customer supplied the white cloth. It was first dyed and
then printed by the Chhimbas. The printed designs were mainly floral
and geometrical; sometimes bird and animal motifs were also used.
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