Textiles of Banaras

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The luxurious, handwoven brocades of Banaras (Varanasi) have held the imagination of India and the world for a long time. By the late 19th-century, these had emerged as among the most fashionable of fabrics worn across the subcontinent. Till date, the city remains one of the country’s most prominent handloom centres, constantly innovating with new materials and aesthetic sensibilities. In this illustrated lecture, Delhi-based writer and curator Mayank Mansingh Kaul will present the many traditions and techniques which define hand weaving in Banaras such as Rangkaat, Tanchoi, Jamdani and the Gyaser. Focussing on the period from the early 20th century to now, he will discuss how they have been shaped by a wide range of influences, from other parts of the country to Europe and Asia.

Presented by The Art of Gold- Art of Gold is a series of lectures, symposia and events initiated by Swati & Sunaina Gold, to generate artistic dialogues on the various artistic forms of gold.

In collaboration with the Culturebagh & Yarn Club:

Culturebagh is a platform to encourage cross-disciplinary discourse. It is supported by Chatterjee & Lal, a Mumbai-based gallery for contemporary art and historical material.

The Yarn Club is an initiative by Apparao Galleries that curates talks and activities that explore the  rich heritage of the textile traditions of India. It is a platform to share developments and meet other textile enthusiasts while keeping abreast of policy changes and being inspired by the magic of the textiles of India.

Image Credits- Swati & Sunaina Gold