PART 1: ORIGINS OF KATHA STITCH
Necessity being a powerful force creates an ability to make something authentic and brilliant from old ragged things which acts as specifics of a place and culture. This drives humankind to define certain possibilities towards overlooked materials. Love on the other hand drives humankind to instill beauty and aesthetic delight in humble items that envelopes a layer of protection for the loved ones. This enables a deep delving into the origin of century old embroidered quilts of Bengal popularly known as its soul- Katha.
The Katha Stitch, aka Katha has its root delved into various artistic traditions of Bengal mainly popular in India and Bangladesh. Though its origin dates to thousands of years, its inception provides a subtle link to the regions’ ancient textile practices. Initially this embroidery was done by rural women through recycling of old worn-out sarees and dhotis in areas of functional quilts and clothes. The word has its derivation from a Sanskrit word “rag” reflecting its humble beginnings. This stitch not only focuses on using and creating practical items, but also symbolises an act of storytelling. Women stitched their life stories, cultural symbols and dreams onto the fabric creating a unique blend of narratives. These works often focused on depicting scenes from daily lives, mythological stories maintaining Katha as a repository of one's personal expression and cultural history. The intricacy of design patterns has made the works an artisanal excellence.
With time this piece of art has led to the evolution of utilitarian roots reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Bengal influencing a wider audience of people from Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions. Through the simplicity of Katha stitch, this work has been a symbol of resilience through creativity embodying the spirit of women creators.
