The Artistry of
Rabari Craft
A Glimpse into the Rabari Culture
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AC K N OW L E D GM E N T S
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Copyright © 2023 by NIFT Gandhinagar
Published in the year 2023 by Bachelor in Fashion Technology Department
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY
(Ministry of Textiles, Government of India)
GH-0 Circle, Gandhinagar-382007
Gujarat, India
www.nift.ac.in/gandhinagar
Digital Publication of student documents for private circulation only.
This craft document has been written, edited, illustrated, and designed by student researchers
-Abhiroop Biswas | Aishwarya Gupta | Alivia Ghosh| Anushka Gupta | Khushi Singh| Nayanika Dayal
Verma I
Batch- 2021-2025.
All rights reserved.
NIFT gratefully acknowledges financial support from DC Handicrafts towards enhancing the institute's
research education, and dissemination activities. This research is submitted initially as a part of
academic learning to the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar, and is for academic
purposes only. The opinions expressed in the document are solely those of the authors and NIFT
does not bear any responsibility for the nature of its content.
राष्ट्रीय फैशन प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान
साविधिक संस्थाननिष्ट अधिनियम 2006
वस्त्र मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY
A Statutory Institute under the NIFT Act, 2006
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
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PREFACE
"The Artistry of Rabari Craft: A Glimpse into the Rabari Culture" stands as a testament to the
combined effort and enthusiasm of our group members as well as our mentors in diving into the
intricacies of this beautiful craft.
The goal of the NIFT craft cluster program is to introduce students to the reality of the craft industry
where they can see the craft from an artisan's perspective instead of an outsider. It is with great
appreciation that we can confirm, the objective reached its goal.
This preface underscores the importance of this initiative and our motivations for embarking on it.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Rabari embroidery felt like an embodiment of cultural heritage entan-
gled in traditional values that requires recognition and preservation.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who aided us in this journey.
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ABSTRACT
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OBJECTIVE
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CONTENT
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LIST OF IMAGES
fig 2.1............................................11 fig8.11..........................................29
fig 3.1............................................12 fig8.12,8.13................................30
fig3.2.............................................13 fig10.1,10.2................................32
fig4.1.............................................14 fig12.1.........................................34
fig4.2.............................................15 fig12.2,12.3................................35
fig4.3.............................................16 fig14.1,14.2................................40
fig4.4,4.5,4.6...............................17 fig15.1..........................................42
fig6.1,6.2,6.3...............................19 fig15.2,15.3.................................43
fig6.4,6.5,6.6...............................20 fig15.4,15.5.................................45
fig6.7,6.8,6,9,6.19......................21 fig15.6,15.7.................................48
fig7.1,7.2......................................23 fig15.8,15.9.................................49
fig7.3,7.4,7.5,7.6........................24
fig8.1,8.2......................................25
fig8.3,8.4......................................26
fig8.5,8.6,8.7,8.8........................27
fig8.9,8.10...................................28
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INTRODUCTION
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THE COMMUNITY
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KUTCH
Fig 3.1 Geographical Representation of locations
Where the Rabari craft is done
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Fig 3.2 Geographical representation of bhuj
Where the Rabari craft is most famously found
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CULTURE
Language
Festivals
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ORIGIN
MYTHOLOGICAL STORY
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TOOLS & MATERIALS
Needle
Woolen Threads
Mirrors:
.
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Fabric मशरू
Scale
Pencil or Chalk
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Process of giving shapes to mirror (Popti)
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PROCESS
Design:
मशरू
Product preparation
Tracing the design
Thread selection
Execution
Mirror integration
Finishing
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छपाई
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कांचटाका
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PRODUCTS
पोपती
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तोरण
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केड़ियू
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HISTORY OF DESIGN
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CHANGES THROUGH THE GENERATION
Early Generations:
Modern Adaptations:
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INSPIRATIONS
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MOTIFS AND SYMBOLISM
महिधारीकीकहानी
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STITCHES
Satin Stitch
Running Stitch
3. Chain Stitch
4. Herringbone Stitch
Buttonhole Stitch
6. Mirror Work
7. Cross Stitch
8. Double Running Stitch
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SIGNIFICANCE
EVOLUTION OF THE CRAFT
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SOCIO-CULTURE
ECONOMIC
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ABOUT THE MAKERS
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¡
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NAME-PABIBEN RABARI
ADDRESS-12 Rabarivas Bhaduroi,Anjar Kutch
370105
NO. OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE-25+ years
MOBILE NO-9998782932
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She develops fresh and inventive collections with designer Nupur Kumari, such as fashionable bags with
unique Sui Dhaga logos and patterns inspired by famous shows like "Luck by Chance" and "Bhabhiji Ghar
Par Hain."
Much of Pabiben's success can be traced to Nilesh Priyadarshi, who not only introduced her to the market
but also provided an opportunity for her items to be showcased on her own website. Inspired by the
encouragement she received, Pabiben created a one-of-a-kind website that highlighted the names of her
hardworking staff, recognising their achievements to the company. While her husband handles finances,
Nilesh controls the kaarigar clinic and website.
Pabiben's dedication to high craftsmanship is obvious in her preference for anchor thread over wool,
which ensures her items have flawless finishing. She believes in ethical business practises and works with
4-5 experienced women to determine fair product pricing.
Despite a rise in the market value of her items, Pabiben has seen a decrease in the number of artisans she
works with. Nonetheless, she is undaunted and is exploring expanding into the apparel business, especial-
ly employing cotton fabric for her works. Her devotion and innovative spirit earned her the honour of
visiting Prime Minister Modi on International Women's Day in 2016, celebrating her contributions to
women's empowerment and economic development.
Pabiben's husband recently represented Pabiben.com at an event in France, demonstrating the global
influence of her business. Pabiben's incredible path represents the transforming potential of business,
bringing positive change not just to her own life but also to the lives of individuals and communities, all
while conserving cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Her unchangeable attitude acts as an inspiration
to prospective entrepreneurs, demonstrating that adversity can be overcome and a lasting effect on
society with determination and dedication.
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SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTH
WEAKNESSES
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OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
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ISSUES & CHALLENGES
SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION
EDUCATION & ILLITERACY
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LIMITED MARKET REACH
LACK OF INNOVATION
LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN MARKETING SECTOR
LACK OF AWARENESS
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ANALYSIS
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MARKET & MARKETING CHANNEL
TRADITIONAL METHOD
MAIN MARKET
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DIRECT SELLING CHANNELS
B2B
Custom Made to order design
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QUALITY CONTROL
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DATABASE OF NGO's
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OUR EXPERIENCE
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GLOSSARY
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CONCLUSION
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REFERENCES
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STUDENT PROFILE
ABHIROOP
BISWAS
BFT/21/217
ALIVIA GHOSH
BFT/21/475
AYUSHI KESARWANI
BFT/21/756
ANUSHKA
KHUSHI SINGH GUPTA
BFT/21/171 BFT/21/181
NAYANIKA AISHWARYA
DAYAL VERMA GUPTA
BFT/21/305 BFT/21/553