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Case Studies | Social Science | India | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023

Overview of Zardozi Craft in the Dharavi Region

Mahi Khare

Abstract: This paper focuses on the much popular and publicized craft of Zardozi embroidery. Today, every designer in the fashion space must have come across this craft at least once in their career. Mumbai, being the fashion hub has victimized this craft that has been practiced for ages. As time passed, this craft has been much commercialized with respect to its traditional practice. This paper explores the process being practiced by this small settlement spread across the Dharavi district and reflects on the issues observed in the artisans working as Zardozi hand embroiders and their working conditions. For this research, I collected my information by visiting these establishments and personally interviewing and observing the practices. This paper will also reflect on the former glory of this craft and where it has headed in current times. To summarize, this research will highlight these key points to understand the evolution of this widely practiced craft from its traditional origin to now commercialized and much - overexploited craftsmanship, witnessing a thought - provoking reality of these artisans'

Keywords: Artisans, Commercialization, Ethics, Handicraft, Human Rights, Zardozi

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,

Pages: 1424 - 1427