Jasleen dhamija biography
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Smriti Malhotra
Jasleen Dhamija, was a highly esteemed historian and a revered champion of traditional Indian crafts, has left an indelible mark on the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through her extensive research, significant policy contributions, and unwavering dedication, she has become a beacon, illuminating the narrative surrounding Indian textiles and crafts, inspiring generations to appreciate and safeguard these remarkable art forms.
Born in Abbottabad, present-day Pakistan, Dhamija’s journey began in a city steeped in history and tradition. In 1940, her family relocated to New Delhi, India, where she found herself captivated by the allure of handicrafts. Her creative spirit took flight during her time at the Presentation Convent School and the University of Delhi, where she honed her skills by crafting exquisite bags and lampshades, showcasing her innate talent and deep connection to India’s vibrant craft heritage.
In 1954, Dhamija embarked on her professional career at the All India Handicrafts Board. Collaborating closely with the renowned Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, she embarked on a transformative journey, traversing the length and breadth of India, meeting artisans, and spearheading initiatives to revive the handicrafts
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A prominent historian in the field of Indian textiles, Jasleen Dhamija contributed multiple books and extensive research on traditional Indian crafts, and played a key role in policy development and revival efforts. She was involved in formulating policies for the handicraft, handloom and rural livelihood sectors of India and several other countries.
Dhamija was born in Abbottabad (present-day Pakistan) where she lived until 1940, when her family moved to New Delhi. Here, she studied at the Presentation Convent School and later attended the University of Delhi. It was during these years that she developed an interest in handicrafts, fashioning bags and lampshades to sell at the Cottage Industries Emporium.
Dhamija began her career at the All India Handicrafts Board in 1954. During this time, she travelled extensively with Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and met artisans across the country as the Board worked to formulate a policy for the revival of the handicrafts and handloom sectors in India. She later went on to write a biography of Chattopadhyay, which was published by the National Book Trust in 2007.
As an advisor and consultant, with organisations such as the United Nations Development Project and the World Bank, Dhamija worked in diverse geographic and social environments.
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Remembering Jasleen Dhamija, India’s defender of crafts (1933-2023)
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