Danka Project

A detailed study of the art and artisans was conducted and workshops organized to train new artisans. Products were developed and exhibitions, seminars arranged to increase awareness about the embroidery. As of now there are just two practitioners of the craft: Kutubuddin, who makes the 'danke', and Saif-u-ddin, who does the embroidery. It's a craft that has primarily been practiced by Udaipur's Baohra community. At a workshop held in Udaipur this year, Saif-u-ddin was persuaded with great difficulty to train a group of 20 youngsters in the art. When it ended, he proudly reported that at least three had 'tremendous potential' and he would train them further if enough business came his way. The 'danka' is a small square plate, varied in size, but not bigger than 1.5 cm. Though originally it was made of pure gold, now silver-plated with gold dankas are used.