|
|
|
'Crochet' comes from the French word 'croc', meaning a hook. It is very much like knitting, where a looped fabric is
formed from one continous length of yarn. But the difference is that 'crochet' uses just one hook while knitting
uses two. There are a whole range of hook sizes and different types of yarn that are used to create a wide variety
of 'crochet' fabrics. Crochet craft is practised across the world and very old samples of the same have been
recovered from China, Turkey, Africa, Europe, United States and South America.
All that is fine, so why are we talking about it in the context of traditional Indian crafts? Well, this is a case of exception! Though crochet is not of Indian origin, it has been nurtured in certain regions for so long that it has become very much 'indian'. Crochet technique was brought to India by the Dutch and Portuguese missionaries during the 18th century. Jamnagar in Gujarat is supposed to be one of the oldest centres where crochet was practised. And in the delta region of River Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, this craft form has become a means of livelihood for the local people. Narsapur, in the west Godhavari region,is now a very prominent center for crochet lace making. It has become a hub for exporters which employ the local women, mostly belonging the fishing community, who have been doing crochet for several generations. It is believed this craft was taught to them by a Scottish couple named Macrae in 1844 during their missionary work. Their familiarity with (fishing)net making made it easier for the women to learn the craft and it went on to become the mainstay of their lives. Narsapur is now world famous for its lace industry, with over 300 kinds of designs. Crochet is typically used to make household items like curtains, bedspreads, furniture covers, laces and garments. |