Lambani

Lambani is an art of embellishing clothes practiced by the Lambadas or Lambanis, the tribe in Sanduru, the Banjaras of Bellary and Bijapur in Karnataka, Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.  Lambada are a historically nomadic trading tribe who reside in South, West & Central India and with a language of their own called ‘Gar Boli ‘ .

In the Mughal era, the community was engaged in transporting provisions and trading goods. Their habit of living in isolated groups, away from others, still persists and they live in settlements, on the fringes of towns..

Lambada embroidery consists of patchwork, appliqué, beadwork and embroidery together. 

There are 14 types of stitches used in Banjara embroidery. They are Kilan, Vele, Bakkya, Maki, Suryakanti Maki, Kans, Tera Dora, Kaudi, Relo, Gadri, Bhuriya, Pote, Jollya, Nakra.

The embroidery is truly unique in its style and the matchless quality is achieved with a combination of brightness and originality. The colorful threads used in the embroidery are largely symbolic of the vibrant lifestyle of Banjaras.