Tiljala Panchanna Gram Mahila Samiti Society
Tiljala Panchanna Gram Mahila Samiti Society | Bengal, India est. 1981 | Mahenjadhoro 2006 | Kantha, quilt: tussar silk with embroidery | Purchased 2011. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery
Created by a group of craftswomen who are members of the Tiljala Panchanna Gram Mahila Samiti cooperative in rural South Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the Mahenjadhoro kantha is made from soft layers of sheer tussar silk, similar to the fine cotton muslins for which Bengal was once celebrated. Traditionally made from recycled saris or rags, the term kantha commonly describes embroidered quilt work which can decorate a variety of items, including padded blankets for home use, rectangular cloths for ceremonial occasions and smaller wraps for covering books or treasured objects. This work represents a contemporary evolution of this practice and tells the story of the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro; built around 4500 years ago in present day Sindh, Pakistan, Mohenjo-daro is believed to be the cradle of Indian civilisation.
