Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of November, 2022 – “Phulkari” – Embroidered Ceremonial Cloth of Folk People Community from Granthiya Mohalla, Barnala, Punjab, is on display in the indoor exhibition building–Veethi Sankul.
The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by Javed Ali Warsi, on this occasion renowned people were present. This exhibit of the month has been composed by Soma Kiro, Assistant Curator.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition by Soma Kiro said that Phulkari is a traditional art of Punjab done on piece of cloth. It is considered to be a ceremonial cloth as it is prepared by the mother or grandmother as a wedding gift to the girl.
The term Phulkari is obtained from two Punjabi words ‘Phul’ and ‘Kari’ meaning 'flower' and 'work' respectively and so the word Phulkari translates into flower or floral work. Even though Phulkari means floral work, this embroidery also comprised variety of motifs including geometrical patterns and shapes. The Phulkari embroidery is overall very bright, vibrant and it brings color to peoples.
Being a folk art the exact origin of Phulkari can't be fixed but nomenclature, literature and several other sources give hints about the origin of this art and tradition.
Earlier it was believed that the Phulkari embroidery came from Iran where it was known as “Gul kari”, but the style of both crafts are different and distinct from each other. It is also said that it came to India from Central Asia with Migration of the Jat community and their settlement in Punjab, Gujarat and Haryana. One most prominent and the earliest reference of Phulkari tradition in Punjab is found in the 18th Century.
Punjabi literature that is of Waris Shah's 'Heer Ranjha' where the wedding outfit of Heer is discussed, where they talk about her clothings with phulkari embroidery.