Chikankari- The Craft of Nawabi Shaan

“Chikankari – Beauty on White “ as its main centre of focus, where its existence over the time is being studied with the different evolution it has shown in its products. Chikankari is a distinctive integral part of Lucknow culture. In India it is believed that Chikan embroidery may have existed from times immemorial. It is said that Noor Jahan brought this craft to India and later it was whole-heartedly adopted by the Nawabs of Lucknow. Thus it became a part of the culture of Lucknow. The embroidery work on clothes was a common feature. In ancient and medieval periods embroidery may have been more popular among the elites but in the present age it is common even among the masses. Because of which nowadays the market is flooded with coarsely executed work and thoughtless design diversifications which has eroded the sensibility of the craft.