UNCUT CLOTH

UNCUT CLOTH (Saris, Shawls and Sashes) by Nasreen Askari & Liz Arthur
This book explores the extraordinary range of unstitched cloth used across South Asia, from the most widely known sari to shawls, turbans, sashes, waiscloths, skirts, spreads, coverlets and canopies.
The history, use and cultural significance of each form of uncut cloth are clearly and attractively presented, supported by a sumptuous series of photograhs that capture its dazzling styles, colours and patterns. In south Asia, unsewn lengths of cloth are considered sacred, and gifts of this nature have resonances in many of its Hindu and Muslim traditions. They also play an important part in social interaction, symbolizing the ties of family, friedship and community.
This book will have widespered appeal, not only among those interested in textiles, for whom it will be an invaluable source book, but also among those fascinated by the wider cultural and social history of Europe and South Asia.

PUSHKAR

Pushkar (Moods of A Desert town) by Ennala Praveen.

"Pushkar" is derived from the merger of "push" and "kar"."Push" or "pushp" means "flower" and "kar" means "hand".

Pushkar lies seven miles from Ajmer in Rajasthan, on the outskirts of Great Indian Desert, a harsh, hostile and merciless land of creeping sands, shifting dunes, erratic weather and hot winds. Its people are in complete contrast to the land they live in, with Pushkar in November forming a showcase for their spirit, their battle for survival against terrible odds.

To some, Pushkar offers archaeological treasures inconspicuously tucked away in its myriad cobbled streets. Sprinkled around the lake are about four hundred temples of great antiquity, including only Brahma temple in the world. Over the centuries, people from different walks of life like kings, sages and the wealthier class have built these temples for worship. Some are on the plains while others stand gloriously on hilltops. Fifty two Ghats encircle the lake to facilitate pilgrims wanting to spiritually cleanse themselves and imbibe its curative properties.

In the words of Ennala Praveen,"The sun beating down on the desrt awakens the camels at dawn. The desert is crowed with camel traders. A lot of haggling takes place, but this adds to the spirit of the fair. As the tempo of business slows down, the proud oweners of a newly acquired camel visit the stalls in search of

Rajasthani handmade saddles, long strings of beads and embroidred saddle-straps. The camels are almost as well dressed as the women.... At other times, Pushkar surprised me with its quiet surroundings, vast desert and comforting breeze. It presented a different view of itself at every turn."

Traditional Indian Textiles

Traditional Indian textiles by John Gillow, Nicholas Barnard
Today, India has more than recoverd from the disasters wrought by the flood of foreign powerloom imports. From the Rann of Kutch to the Coromandel Coast and from city to village the handloom weavers, block printers, textile painters, dyers and embroiderers work to continue the developing traditions of Indian textiles crafts. Traditional Indian Textiles focuses on the 20th-century development of this home and small worksho industry. The histories of textile traditions are examined, the techniques of dying, weaving and embroidering are analysed and the country is traversed from region to region to explore and highlight the centres of traditional textile production. For the designer, traveller, student and collector Tradition Indian textiles is the essential guide to the most famous of all crafts of the Subcontinent.

KACHCHH- The Last Frontier

KACHCHH The last frontier by T.S. Randhawa

This book is a fascinating visual record of the faraway western corner of India, obscure Kachchh,which is the last frontier of a fading way of life. The auther shares images of this picturesque land ans its diverse ecosystems, the dazzling Great Rann of Kachchh, quaint harbours and other antiquities. The text supplements information about its history, myths and people. This is the first such illustrated and informative book on this outlying region of India.