Author(s): Dr. Mohini Gupta, Aleena Yaseen and Arti Kumari

Abstract:
Phulkari, the traditional embroidery of Punjab, is an integral part of its rich culture and heritage. Initially, Phulkari started as a leisure time activity, embroidered with passion, for personal use or to gift it to one’s kith and kin, without any commercial motive. However, gradually, with growing marketization and commodification of Phulkari, the embroidery transformed into a commercial activity. With the changing tastes and preferences of customers, innovative items in Phulkari are being made to cater to the contemporary market. The women folk are mostly involved in embroidery, while the men are engaged in their trading. As such, Phulkari embroidery has been the source of livelihood to women, thereby empowering them. When women become financially emancipated, they become empowered by increasing their role in spiritual, political, social, and educational, gender or economic spheres as individuals in families and communities. Thus, the present study was planned. The study was conducted in Pushp Institute of Sciences and Higher Studies, Pilibhit. Motifs were collected from various secondary sources. The collected motifs were used to develop design sheets products like bed sheet, cushion covers, and bolsters covers. After development of design sheets, evaluation was done by percentage (%) and ranks were assigned to developed designs. The highest percentage points in each category of the designs were selected for development of final products. Finally, three products were developed by the investigator. All the products were appreciated by the consumer. Consumer also said that all the products made from Phulkari motifs using hand painting were very innovative and unique.