Preserving and Promoting the Sindhi Ralli Quilts: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Artistry

Anum Rauf; Asma Kamal

doi:10.32350/jdt.22.05

Anum Rauf Institute of Design and Visual Arts, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4098-7845
Asma Kamal Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa Degree and Commerce College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jdt.22.05

Keywords: cultural crafts, geometrical designs, heritage, Ralli, Sindhi quilt

Abstract

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Sindh, the southern province of Pakistan, covers the lower Indus Valley that has a rich heritage of cultural crafts and traditions, proved by the excavations of Amri, Mehrgarh, Kot Diji, Mohenjo Daro, Chanhun-jo-daro, Kahu-jo-Daro, Brahmanabad, and Bhambore. This reflects centuries of occupation, migration, trade, and political influence among others. Artisans belonging to this area have been practicing these crafts generationally, due to which these crafts became a reason for the living Sindhi cultural heritage Among these many crafts, Ralli Work, which is unique because of its technique, patterns, and colors and is famous for its intricate artistry and work. Sindhi Ralli has its recognition when it is compared with other regions of the world because of its color combinations and geometrical design. Therefore, this research aims to highlight the fact that this age-old tradition should not only be preserved as part of our heritage but must be promoted wisely that can change the economic condition of the rural population. Although after 2003, many exhibitions and quilt festivals were organized by Western scholars in their own countries and within Pakistan but soon the promotions ended. For this purpose, Sindh has been selected and visited to explore the various Rallis and their making process in Pakistan. Besides this Sindh Museum, craft companies have been visited to check the current status of Ralli’s promotion in Pakistan. This study suggested that the government plays an active role in the proper patronization of this craft at the national and international levels and allocate funds and grants for the upcoming scholars and textile crafts researchers for the future excellence and to promote Ralli industry.

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Author Biographies

Anum Rauf, Institute of Design and Visual Arts, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan

Anum Rauf is an active PhD scholar at the Institute of Design and Visual Arts at Lahore College for Women University, the largest women's university in Pakistan. In 2022, she was granted a research fellowship by the International Research Support Initiative, HEC Pakistan, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London for a period of six months. Her research interests include Pakistan fashion history, textile and fashion crafts research, and Indian subcontinent fashion history focusing on Muslim fashion history timelines. In 2021, she received a project grant from ORIC, UMT to conduct research on Ralli Crafts in interior Sindh, Pakistan. She was a Full-time Lecturer at the School of Textile and Design, University of Management and Technology, Lahore for four years, with seven years of experience as a part-time Lecturer in fashion and textile design, teaching both at graduate and postgraduate levels. She actively participates in national conferences and, attends trainings, and workshops related to advanced research and publication.

Asma Kamal, Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa Degree and Commerce College, Lahore, Pakistan

Asma Kamal has been serving Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa Degree and Commerce College as a lecturer and Head of the Department of Fine Arts since 2003. She has also served as the registrar of this college for two years. She teaches both intermediate and graduate-level students. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Punjab University Lahore. Currently, she is enrolled as a PhD scholar at Lahore College for Women University Lahore in the Institute of Design and Visual Arts and is working on the Colonial Heritage of Lahore. While her MS thesis from LCWU was on the “Carved Wooden Doors of Lahore.” Moreover, Asma actively participates in international and national conferences

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