Traditionally associated with rural Bengal, Kantha (pronounced Kaanthaa) is one of the most prominent of Bengal's embroidery and textile traditions. Kantha originally evolved as a form of blanket used during the bitter winter. Rural women would not throw away the old saarees and dhotis but would place them in layers, one on top of others, and stitch them together in simple running stitch to form a thin quilt to be used as blankets. Another important aspect was that the thread used to stitch the kantha would come from the edges of the cloth which is being used.
Gradually over time this simple household activity developed into a beautiful art form. Simple patterns emerged in the beginning and in course of time these patterns turned into images. The patterns and images would tell stories about daily life and from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The simple kanta gradually gave birth to a beautiful and traditional school of embroidery called the Nokshi Kantha. The Nokshi Kanthas are especially beautiful kanthas and can be found in all parts of Bengal. Poet Jasimuddin even wrote a beautiful saga of lost love called the "Nokshi Kanthar Maath" meaning 'the field of the Nokshi Kanha' and immortalised the Nokshi Kantha of Bengal.
Contemporary Kantha has found its place in sarees, salwars, furnishing fabrics, table covers, pillow covers etc.
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