Welcome to the story of Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (SKKK/ Sandur Kendra), a journey deeply rooted in the preservation of traditional Indian crafts and the empowerment of craftspeople.
Introduction
Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra is a registered society since 1988, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Indian crafts while enriching the lives of over 500 artisans and staff Sandur, Ballari & Vijaynagar Districts of Karnataka, India.
The handcraft of Sandur Kendra spreads over sandur lambani embroidery, block printing, cane and bamboo furniture, stone carving and we are a Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) recognised institution engaged in the production of hand spun and woven khadi.
The diverse range of handcrafted products including garments, sarees, accessories, fabric, jewellery, home furnishings, and furniture. With a focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and rural livelihoods, our work blends tradition with innovation.
We secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag No. 134 for Sandur Lambani Embroidery in 2008. In July 2023 a Guinness World Record was created by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra on the sidelines of the Cultural Track of G20 at Hampi for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’.
Our retail presence spans across Sandur, Bengaluru, and Delhi and we participate in various craft exhibitions organised in India and internationally. Through each creation, we aim to honour the craftsmanship of our artisans and bring timeless beauty into living and life.
The Genesis of a Movement
The idea for what would become Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra was born from the great vision of Her Highness Smt. Susheela Devi Ghorpade, wife of HH Shri. Y.R Ghorpade. SKKK had its beginnings when a group of Lambani women from the Thanda of Susheelanagar were brought together to work as a group. Her Highness heralded the first batch of seven Lambani women in the 1970’s. This collective effort marked the start of a significant change in the lives of not only the Lambanis but also other traditional craftspeople in and around Sandur.
In 1988, SKKK was formally registered as a Society under the Registration of Societies Act 1960. With the objectives to revive the traditional crafts of the area, improve the quality of life of craftspeople by encouraging and developing their skills, and market their products to ensure a regular income. Currently over 500 artisans and staff work with SKKK.
Today Suryaprabha A. Ghorpade leads Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra as its President and Governing Body Member and she is guiding the Kendra towards greater sustainability and impact.
The Craft person and then craft follows
At the core of SKKK's philosophy is the belief that it is the craftsperson and craft is the focal point. We are committed to fostering a renaissance of Arts and Crafts by encouraging, training, and fairly compensating our craftspeople. This human-centric approach aims to build community, instill pride, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging among artisans. Over the four decades artisans and staff associated to SKKK have received educational scholarships, health care benefits and food ration.
Growth & Impact through craft
From its modest beginnings, SKKK works with over 500 artisans and staff. Kendra continuously works for the revival and sustainability of indigenous crafts, ensuring livelihood for artisans, finding new markets, and making crafts relevant and building a sustainable model for the future. For four decades, Sandur Kendra has been a beacon of empowerment, sustainability, and cultural preservation in India’s handicraft sector. A significant portion of the organization’s impact lies in empowering women, who form the backbone of crafts like Lambani embroidery, block printing, and khadi production. By offering training, flexible work opportunities, the Kendra has enabled women to become breadwinners, fostering gender equality and financial autonomy. Read further here our Social impact.
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KVIC certified institution & holds Khadi Mark Certificate
Know MoreThe Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra is a registered institution with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and holds an official Khadi Mark certification affirming its commitment to sustainable, indigenous textile practices.
It works to preserve and promote the timeless tradition of Khadi, especially in an era where its significance is fading. Its efforts go beyond simply reviving an age-old tradition, SKKK focus on ensuring that Khadi continues to be a relevant and dynamic part of modern life.
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Geographical Indication (GI) Tag No. 134
Sandur Lambani Embroidery, a Geographical Indication (GI) registered product, originates from the Sandur region of Karnataka. This traditional craft received the GI certification in 2008. The GI tag was jointly applied for by Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra and the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, recognizing their efforts in preserving and promoting this distinctive form of embroidery.
Sandur Lambani embroidery is a unique needle craft, made specifically by the nomadic women of the Lambani tribe in and around Sandur region of Karnataka. The patch work embroidery and attachment of the mirrors and glittering white metal jewelleries and sea shells are knit with the help of different coloured threads and needles. To know more about GI Tag 134, see here
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Our Achievements and Recognition
SKKK has evolved over the years, gaining recognition for the Lambani craft and other crafts both nationally and internationally. The commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as
Know MoreNational Merit Certificate for excellence in 2013
UNESCO Seal of Excellence in 2004 and 2012
National Excellence Award for Banjara embroidery in 2012
National Award by the President of India for an exceptional Banjara embroidered - 2002
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Award for Social Impact in the Craft Sector for 2024
Guinness World Record
In July 2023 a Guinness World Record was created by the Ministry of Culture and Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra on the sidelines of the Cultural Track of G20 at Hampi for the ‘largest display of Lambani items ‘. The record was made by creating 1,755 patchwork and artifacts. This was overlooked by the Guinness adjudicator from London and experts in art who witnessed the counting.
The evening of 10 July 2023 was the gathering of the G20 delegates from across the World besides the Virupaksha Temple the World Record Certificate was handed over during the event. Senior Artisan Ms.Shanta Bai and SKKK Secretary & Governing Body Memeber Ms.Shruthi Muniyappa addressed the gathering on the occasion and communicated the importance of art and culture and its inclusiveness, livelihood and camaraderie it builds among the local community. For the making of Guinness World Record see here.
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