Life in the desert state of Rajasthan is not easy by any means. Amidst the harsh and arid climate, shifting sand dunes, extreme weather conditions, and a tradition-bound society, it is incredible to find the craft of textile flourishing in rural households. Executed by women, it is a source of earning helping them to lead their lives with dignity.

The women create textiles embellished with fine needlework such as Kantha and applique work. One such artisan, Lehro Devi from Madpura Barwala, district Barmer, Rajasthan, speaks about the craft and the designs that are traditional, and practised over the generations. The women learn the craft from their elders in the household. After finishing the household tasks, they devote their time to the craft. They do the work in their homes and produce items such as clothing, furnishings, and articles of daily use. Of late, the women have formed self-help groups that help procure raw material, market their products, and provide training to upgrade their skills. 

Women working in such groups can earn between Rs 5000 to 10000 per month. The groups arrange for the weavers to visit fairs and festivals all over the country, in which they can directly interact with customers. With the support of these groups, women have been able to step out of the strict purdah rules and become part of the broader economy. With the success stories of their mothers and aunts, many of whom have started conducting training sessions, the younger generation is keen to learn the craft. What ultimately motivates the women to carry on is their desire to keep alive their age-old traditions and preserve the cultural memory of their social groups. The artisans say that their efforts can be supplemented with institutional support by the government, in terms of easy loans, and better marketing and training facilities.