Meenakari is one of the oldest art forms in India. Whether or not it may have originated in India is a point of discussion, but it has surely made a special place in the hearts of people with its intricacy and impressive designs. This art form is primarily associated with the state of Rajasthan in India, where the craft has been passed down through generations of artisans. Although it originated elsewhere and travelled to India, today, the art form has made its own space among various other crafts by preserving its true form aligned with some modern approaches that brands like Meenakari Creation recreate and #LocalWaliDiwali sheds light on them.
#LocalWaliDiwali
Local Samosa’s #LocalWaliDiwali series shines a spotlight on India’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, and handicrafts, along with the local mom-and-pop stores that have been serving their communities for generations. This initiative celebrates the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on the most promising local stores that are at the heart of their cities, known for reviving traditional Indian crafts across various categories.
This Diwali, through this series, we are committed to showcasing the best local artists, craftsmen, and small businesses that preserve Indian heritage through their products. By putting these gems on the map, we aim to connect them with people beyond their city, giving these local businesses the visibility, boost, and clientele they deserve.
Let’s understand the true form and origin of Meenakari……
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The craft is believed to have originated in the city of Persia and travelled to India in the 16th century. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced Meenakari to India and it flourished during his reign. The rulers and Mughals started using this art to decorate the interiors of their palaces. One could see the influence of Meenakari on walls, ceilings, and even thrones.
The process of Meenakari involves a series of steps, starting with the cleaning of the metal surface, since traditionally Meenakari is done on metal, followed by engraving the design onto it. The next step is to fill the cavities created by the design with enamel paste. The object is then fired in a kiln to allow the enamel to fuse with the metal surface. Finally, the object is polished to give it a glossy finish.
But this process may be a little different for Meenakari Creation ……
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Meenakari Creation is a homegrown brand started by Gazal Ojha that promotes the art of Meenakari not through jewellery or sarees but through juttis. As mentioned, Meenakari is conventionally practised on products like jewellery, saree or handicrafts, but Gazal wanted to revive the art by giving it a modern touch, so she started Meenakari Creation. “I was married to a family where the idea of women in business was not welcomed for many years, but as time passed, I tried steeping the foot outside the four walls and starting a venture of my own.” As many people in her family were in the business of making Juttis, Gazal thought of starting with that. But she didn’t want to make jutti the traditional way, so she gave it a Meenakari twist.
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At Meenakari Creation, juittis are made with Meenakari print – giving the traditional footwear an artistic touch. The designing for all the juttis is done by Gazal herself. Despite not being from a designing background she has learnt designing on her own and imprints the same in every product. “Initially, other designers used to make designs for us, but gradually, I learnt it on my own through mediums like YouTube as I wanted to give a personal touch,” says the founder.
The designs made by Gazal according to the occasion and trend are then printed on a piece of cloth and stitched on a jutti made in their own factory. “We have an in-house factory of one of our relatives in Malout, Punjab, where all the manufacturing is done.” One jutti usually takes 10 to 15 days to be made, and all the work is done by hand. Along with Juttis, they also make Meenakari purses that use the same process but offer a choice of products for the customers.
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Gazal feels that in a market where people have forgotten traditional art forms, it is necessary to promote them through everyday products. Whether it’s presenting the craft in its original form or incorporating it with a modern element, it should be given the spotlight and what better way to promote it with another Indian element that is so popular in the country? “With Meenakari Creation, our aim is to provide the best possible blend of two crafts- shoe making and Meenakari that offer a valuable product for the consumers, says Gazal on an ending note.
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Want us to feature any local stores or artists who are preserving and rejuvenating Indian arts, crafts and handicrafts? Then write to us at content@localsamosa.com!
