Nakshi Kantha
Activities
C. Write a paragraph describing how the nakshi kantha is made. Start like this: Old or new cloth and coloured thread are needed. First the cloth is folded, then .....
The Procedure of making a Nakshi Kantha
Old or new cloth and coloured threads are needed to make Nakshi Kanthas. First, the cloth is folded, then the sides of the folded clothes are stitched using coloured thread. Then various types of motifs like animal motifs, floral motifs, folk motifs are drawn on the piece of cloth using needle and colourful thread. The motifs create a unique background and they often tell stories. Often, more than one people are involved in the making process. It is a tiresome job and depending on the amount of work a Nakshi Kantha might require months to be completed. The price of a Nakshi Kantha depends on the amount and intricacy of the embroidery work.
E. Complete the sentences with clues given
1. Naksha means artistic .
2. The name was taken from a word .
3. The art has been practised in Bengal for .
4. Nakshi kanthas are now sold in shops.
5. Nakshi kanthas are in great demand because of their colourful and .
6. Nakshi kanthas are a kind of .
7. Nakshi kantha are now produced .
F. Write down five questions for the completed statements in activity E above. One is done for you.
1. What does naksha mean?
2. Where has the name Nakshi Kantha come from?
3. How long has the art been practised in Bengal?
4. Where are the Nakshi Kanthas sold these days?
5. Why the Nakshi Kanthas are in great demand?
6. What kind of things are the Nakshi Kanthas?
D. Do you like a nakshi kantha or an ordinary kantha? Why?
I prefer Nakshi Kantha to an ordinary kantha, as it is comfortable as well as beautifully decorated. It is also a valuable part of our heritage and culture.