Splendour of ancient textiles on display

LUCKNOW: Indian textiles dating back to 18th and 19th centuries are on display at the on-going month-long exhibition at the state museum on the Lucknow Zoo premises. The Ancient Indian Textile exhibition highlights beautifully the creativity of Indian artisans in striking patterns and innovative motifs.
Amazed by the centuries old saris including Nilambari and Chanderi from Varanasi, Patola from Gujarat and Baluchar silk from Bengal that have been preserved but show no sign of fading, visitor Aneeta Singh said, “I feel proud that India has for centuries produced such high quality materials with color-fast dyes.”
Sharing similar views, history student Adil Khan said it is such textile art exhibitions that show the spread of multi-faceted Indian culture subtleties across the states of India helping students learn so many aspects of a country.
Along with Banarsi and Bengali saris and centuries old Kashmiri shawls and jamewars, a major attraction for visitors is the 200-year-old Hyderabadi Bidri style silver-inlaid surahi (flask) made in Moradabad. The majestic 50 centimeter tall flask embellished with multiple bands of stylized foliage and flowers attracts visitors to click with the antique.