Abstract: India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional art and craft. India is world famous for its rich heritage and traditional textiles, magnificent workmanship. It also symbolizes the identity of the ethnic group. Textiles are considered as a part of the complex rituals of life. Tribal people of India have always had a great flair for decoration and ornamentation. However their traditional crafts are less known to the outside world. In India, Todas are found only in the Nilgiri District of Tamilnadu State. Toda Tribes are very seclusion in nature and very few people know about this tribe and their unique embroidery. Few efforts are being taken by the government and other NGO’s to preserve Toda embroidery art.
The present study was undertaken with the aim to study traditional Toda embroidery and to develop designs based on the existing designs and adaptation of these developed designs on women’s kurtis. Four Toda munds (settlements) namely Manjakalmund, Tarnadmund, Muthinadmund and Bettumund were selected for the study. Data was collected through a survey using observation and interview method. The experiment on adapting Toda embroidery on kurtis had given a direction how this can be brought to the light of the world without changing the unique features. The study would be a step forward to preserve this art and showcase the skills of Todas to the outside world and to impart a new design dimensions to the fashion world.
Keywords: conventional art and craft, Todas, Toda Embroidery, cultural and traditional vibrancy.
Title: Adaptation of Toda Embroidery on Women’s Kurtis
Author: Carolin Baby, Dr. Susan Paul
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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