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Under The Embroidered Sky is a series of books and films on the embroideries of Kutch. This volume, the first in the series provides an intimate and insightful glimpse into the world of Ahir embroidery and the women who practise it. It explores the place of embroidery in Ahir life; identifies the characteristic features of this embroidery style; decodes the languages of stitches and mirrors, motifs and borders; and describes the ways in which embroidery is used in clothing, accessories and home decorations.

The second half of the book looks at the efforts of shrujan in reviving and rejuvenating the traditional embroideries of Kutch, and using the craft women's embroidery skill to secure a sustainable livelihood for them. Shrujan’s role in adding to – and sometimes changing – the traditional Ahir style is also discussed. That Ahir embroidery is very much alive is evidenced by the renewed interest and enthusiasm shown by the younger generation of craftswomen who appear in the concluding part of the book.

Written as a combination of first-person narratives and explanatory chapters, the book contains nearly one thousand photographs and illustrations – including ‘galleries’ showcasing some of the most stunning examples of Ahir embroidery. It is complemented by a film entitled Learning Ahir Embroidery. Together, they form an invaluable resource for anyone interested in craft, design or simply in understanding a small but vital part of India’s cultural heritage.