The embroidered fabrics that come from Banni in Kutch are famous for bright yellow, red and saffron colours and mirror work with beads. The embroidery is done by the Muslim Jat community of Banni and is known for the intricacy and richness. The fabric is embellished with architectural designs and is also called Heer Bharat. The embroidery is done using the silk floss called heer locally. It is a typical embroidery manipulating the weave of the fabric. The mirrors are studded using buttonhole and chain stitch.
One of the most attractive things in Indian specifically Gujarati embroidery is incorporating the shisha or the mirror. The art is supposed to have its origin in Persia somewhere around 13th century. The mirror work is used along with the other stitches to enhance the general effect of the pattern. They cut the glass into different shapes and embroider it in the fabric.
Incredibly miniscule mirror embroidery is done on heavily encrusted yoke with white thread, mingled with red, orange, blue and green, by the Garari Jat community. In Kathi embroidery, the mirrors are used for eyes of birds and center of flowers.
The name of Kutch has become famous for its variety of embroideries. Muslim women produce utility articles in their leisure time. The custom of giving embroidered articles to brides also supported the craft. This craft is carried from generation to generation.
Embroidered articles form an important part of Dowry given to the brides. Some of the important embroidery work is known as Rabari embroidery, Ahir embroidery, Bavalia embroidery or Kutchi Bharat, Sindhi embroidery, Aari work, Soof embroidery also known as Sodha Bharat, Mutva embroidery in Banni (Dhorodo village) is famous for Gotam stich or Sindhi Kadai.
In Banni area, the embroidery work is also done on leather shoes or Mojdi, purses bags, belts, wallets etc. Hodko village in Banni is famous for Meghwal embroidery and leather work. Tunda Wandh, a village between Mandvi and Mundra is an artisans village.
