News
Shamlu Dudeja empowers 1,000+ women through the revival of Kantha craft
Shamlu Dudeja, along with her daughter and granddaughters, are empowering over 1,000 women through the revival of Kantha, a needlecraft from Bengal. Dudeja's journey began 37 years ago after a visit to a crafts fair in Santiniketan.
Shamlu Dudeja is recognized for bringing Bengal's needlecraft, Kantha, to the global stage. Her interest in Kantha was sparked during a visit to a Santiniketan crafts fair, where she encountered a simple embroidery that reminded her of her school days. Dudeja purchased three silk saris, dyed them in tea, and gave them to women at the mela to embroider, paying them in advance. Dudeja and her daughter, Malika Dudeja Varma, visited the women's homes, impressed by the craft's intricacy and moved by their living conditions. After the first three saris were beautifully embroidered, Dudeja bought more saris and asked the women to repeat their work. She shared the pieces with friends and family in Kolkata, Mumbai, and London, where they were admired.
Key Facts
- Shamlu Dudeja is a Kantha revivalist who has brought Bengal's needlecraft to global attention.
- Dudeja's journey began 37 years ago after seeing embroidery at a crafts fair that reminded her of her school days.
- Dudeja provided women with saris to embroider, paying them in advance.
- Dudeja and her daughter were moved by the living and working conditions of the women they hired.
- Dudeja shared the embroidered pieces with friends and family in Kolkata, Mumbai, and London.
- SHE Kantha today empowers over 1,000 women.
- Shamlu Dudeja, her daughter Mallika Dudeja Varma, and granddaughters Mahima and Saumya are committed to the craft.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — Reviving Kantha: Shamlu Dudeja's Journey Towards Empowering Women Through Craft | - The Times of India