Sambalpuri Ikats: The Masterpiece

The traditional art of Ikat weaving has travelled across land and sea from Malaysia, and the Sambalpuri Ikat is one of the best- kept secrets of Odisha. The iconic motifs and mathematical precision of the designs, traced by feathery outlines of white with extravagantly contrasting colours are only achievable by enormous labour and creativity, which Sarita Mishra has documented in this volume from years of research. Highlighting the traditional handloom industry, the varied raw materials, weaving techniques and process, the finished products, the challenges faced by the artisans and initiatives for sustainability at play, the resplendent accompanying photographs pay an invigorating tribute to the steadfast hard work of generations of numerous craftsmen.

Sarita Mishra

Sarita Mishra is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and has a PhD in Psychology. An ardent admirer of Sambalpuri Ikat and Odishan Tassar sarees and fabrics, her interest and involvement in the handlooms and handicrafts sector spans more than three decades. Her posting as Principal Commissioner of Income Tax at Sambalpur acted as a catalyst for her research interest in this field. She has numerous publications in various national and international journals, and has been awarded the Eminent Author Award from National Academy of Direct Taxes, and she has been recognised by the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Odisha for her distinguished leadership, service and commitment to duty, along with her research and academic contributions to revenue and taxation. She is a native of Odisha and lives with her family in Bhubaneswar.