On the banks of the Vasista Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, is the picturesque town of Narsapur which boasts a rich heritage of intricate crochet lace-making. The region’s handmade craft recently received a significant boost with the coveted Geographical Indications (GI) tag from the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
The GI tag is a noteworthy achievement for Narsapur’s skilled artisans, who have been handcrafting exquisite crochet designs for over a century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Narsapur’s crochet industry took a hit when the demand for handcrafted goods spiralled downwards. For the artisans who have also been coping with the competition presented by machine-made goods, the GI tag is a sigh of relief.
By geographically limiting its use to 19 specific mandals (local administrative areas) in West Godavari and Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts, the tag aims to protect the authenticity of the craft. After a brief shutdown, the town’s one-of-its-kind state-run lace park reopened last year, providing an exclusive space for the artisans to showcase the beautiful outcomes of their labour and effort. With over 15,000 artisans employed by more than 100 export houses in Narsapur and nearby Palacole, the crochet craft has survived in the face of major disruptions like the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929.
While the art of crochet itself can be traced back to the 15th century, it made its way to Narsapur much later. What was introduced by Irish missionaries in the Godavari region in the 1800s has now grown into a bustling crochet industry. Through the years, Narsapur’s artisans have put their heart and soul into creating a form of crochet that is unique to the region.
They utilise fine threads and thin crochet needles in varying sizes to create intricate artistic pieces. From delicate doilies and table runners to vibrant cushion covers and fashionable tops — the artisans knit stunning products in colours that truly capture the spirit of the coastal town — orange, green, blue and shades of white and beige. The beauty of Narsapur’s handcrafted crochet lace has cut across borders, now reaching markets across the globe.