Madurai is known for its ‘malli,’ but it is the rich handloom tradition of the bespoke Sungudi that needs to be given a wider platform, says Dr. G. Natchiar, browsing through the exquisite collection of textiles on display at LAICO auditorium here on Saturday.
The exhibition showcases the achievement of Tharagai, a collective that has been working on reviving this traditional craft from 2014. It was started with 15 members, after a group of friends, on a trip to Bhuj in Gujarat visited the premises of Shrujan, an NGO working to take the crafts of Gujarat to the global stage.
Though, in 2012, the World Craft Council, initiated a project to revive Sungudi, what was needed was an impetus that would drive this forward and it was this dynamic energy that Tharagai aims to provide.
