Researching and reinventing the Kalbelia quilts of Rajasthan

The tribes in states across India have a rich cultural history of practising dance, music and crafts to earn their living. Rajasthan is famous for its handcrafted products and accessories that represent an economic attribute and are valued for their sociocultural histories, including their future conservation. This ethnographic study on Kalbelia Gudadis of Rajasthan highlights the little-known craft and provides design solutions to the artisans for sustaining the specialist quilt-making process. The women of communities based in Rajasthan have traditionally practised the art of layered quilting using vibrant-coloured textiles stitched with magnificent embroidery. While some communities still practise the craft, it is becoming more difficult to sustain economically. The research is aimed, first, at documenting the art of quilt-making by the Kalbelia community and, second, identifying the problems the craftswomen face in maintaining the craft’s survival. The third phase of the study represents a design intervention with the community as a possible solution to revive the craft. Cluster is a small village which has yet to be discovered for its neglected craft skills. The study proposes a solution for maintaining the community’s textile skills and for standing nationally and internationally in the market. The investigation focuses on providing a sustainable solution to the manufacturing of the Gudadis/quilts by introducing natural dyes and organic textiles and implying product diversification techniques to extend markets for current and future makers.