Danga and Laharya Phulkari c. 1925

This is a Danga and Laharya Phulkari, an embroidered textile from Punjab, likely made in the 20th century. The geometric patterns, created with floss silk on cotton, speak to the textile's origins as a domestic craft. Woven by women, Phulkari shawls served as familial gifts during weddings and births, and were thus a medium of social exchange. The term 'Phulkari' translates to 'flower work', and despite its folk origins, these textiles gained popularity through state-sponsored exhibitions in the early 20th century. This institutional recognition coincided with the rise of Indian nationalism, and Phulkari became a symbol of regional identity. Today, Phulkari serves as a reminder of the ways in which art is embedded in the everyday and how its meaning shifts according to its social context. By examining historical records, ethnographic studies, and museum collections, we can appreciate how this artwork embodies personal expression and collective identity.