The term embroidery encompasses many different techniques and stitches. Indian embroidery has been greatly influenced by the movement of people along ancient trade routes into the subcontinent from Iran (Persia), the Agean, Afganistan, China and other points. Accounts of early traders indicate that richly embroidered clothes were worn by wealthy people on the Indian subcontinent as early as 300BC. However few examples of these early pieces survive.

The English and Dutch East India Companies brought embroidered work into Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As a result, many fine examples of embroidered work can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.

Today, many new and old examples of embroidered work can be found in the bazaars. The examples on the left were purchased in Jaipur. They are old and quite worn, and may been removed from a piece of clothing.

Additional Reading:
The Techniques of Indian Embroidery
by Anne Morrell
Interweave Press, 1995
ISBN 1-883010-08-X