In the heart of Lucknow, the City of Nawabs known for its elegance and artistic finesse, lives a man whose hands have kept the royal legacy of Indian embroidery alive for over four decades. His name is Jaan-E-Alam, a 57-year-old Aari-Zardosi artisan whose life is stitched with golden threads of tradition, discipline, and devotion.

For 40 years, he has lived and breathed the art of Aari and Zardosi embroidery — the regal craft that once adorned the wardrobes of Nawabs, Rajput queens, and Mughal courts. Beginning at the age of 17, Jaan-E-Alam’s journey reflects both the beauty and struggle of preserving a heritage craft in a rapidly changing world.

Today, he continues to work with remarkable patience — sitting cross-legged for 12 hours a day, guiding his needle with the same care and rhythm as he did in his youth. “I have seen kings and commoners wear Zardosi,” he says gently, “but the art itself — that is the real royalty.”

The Art and Heritage of Aari-Zardosi Embroidery

The Aari-Zardosi craft is more than embroidery — it is a visual language of India’s artistic soul. Originating in the Mughal era and perfected in Lucknow’s royal ateliers, this craft combines metallic threads, sequins, and beads hand-embroidered using a hooked needle known as the aari. Each motif — often inspired by Mughal architecture, flora, and peacock feathers — carries stories of luxury, devotion, and time.

For artisans like Jaan-E-Alam, every stitch represents a bond with history. His intricate work has graced the wardrobes of royal families of Lucknow and Rajasthan, where handcrafted zari, dabka, and pitta work symbolized prestige and grace.

But beyond its grandeur, Aari-Zardosi is also a meditative practice — an art that demands patience, balance, and heart. In today’s age of mass production, this human touch is what sets it apart and gives it timeless value.

A Master Craftsman’s Vision and Concern

Jaan-E-Alam is a true custodian of royal hand embroidery. For him, Aari-Zardosi is not a profession — it is a spiritual duty. “This art should be taught in colleges,” he says with conviction. “Only then will it live in its true form.”

His concern is valid. As younger generations move toward quicker, machine-made livelihoods, fewer apprentices remain to inherit the craft. “You can copy a design,” he says, “but you cannot copy the heart that makes it.”

Yet, he refuses to give up. Even after 40 years, his passion remains undiminished — his hands still weaving stories of devotion and heritage one golden thread at a time.

Umaid Couture: Reviving the Royal Crafts of India

At Umaid Couture, the mission is deeply rooted in the revival of India’s royal crafts and the recognition of the artisans who sustain them. Under the visionary guidance of Gaj Singh Bhati, Umaid Couture has become a movement — reconnecting contemporary fashion with its regal origins by engaging directly with master craftsmen like Jaan-E-Alam.

Through its Artisan Center, Umaid Couture provides a platform where heritage artisans are not only commissioned but celebrated. Each piece created under this initiative embodies centuries of tradition, refined by modern design sensibility — a perfect blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary couture.

Gaj Singh Bhati’s initiative ensures that these traditional crafts are not forgotten, but reimagined — sustaining livelihoods while safeguarding authenticity. It’s a journey of empowerment, where the artisan becomes both the creator and the storyteller.

Social and Cultural Significance

The story of Jaan-E-Alam is a reflection of India’s broader cultural journey — where art and identity are intertwined. The Aari-Zardosi craft of Lucknow is not just decorative; it’s a symbol of the country’s social and cultural continuity. Each handcrafted motif preserves an echo of history — from the royal courts to the modern ateliers that value handmade excellence.

Umaid Couture’s collaboration with artisans like Jaan-E-Alam represents hope — that in an age dominated by machines, true luxury still lies in the touch of human hands, in the patience of the maker, and in the soul behind every creation.

A Legacy in Every Stitch

As evening descends over Lucknow, Jaan-E-Alam sits beneath a modest lamp, his fingers dancing through shimmering threads of gold. His wife brings him tea; his children watch quietly — witnessing the quiet dignity of a man preserving centuries of art through his labor of love.

His life is not of wealth, but of purpose. His craft is not just embroidery, but a prayer stitched in gold — a timeless offering to heritage.

At Umaid Couture, under Gaj Singh Bhati’s dedication to craft revival, we stand proudly with artisans like Jaan-E-Alam — the real architects of India’s couture legacy. Together, we continue to restore the pride, recognition, and respect these master craftsmen truly deserve.

Join us at Umaid Couture’s Artisan Center — where royal crafts come alive through the hands of India’s most gifted artisans. Witness the making of heritage, meet masters like Jaan-E-Alam, and become part of the movement led by Gaj Singh Bhati to preserve the royal hand embroidery traditions of India.

Because every stitch tells a story — and every artisan deserves to be remembered.