Winds of Change
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This informative chapter traces the history, cultural significance and changing role of the Indian hand fan, the pankha. The word 'pankha' comes from 'pankh' (feather), and evidence of ancient fans appears in the Ajanta wall paintings. Pankhas were once used to fan deities and kings and later became prized cultural goods traded across India, with each region developing distinctive materials and intricate designs, from Rajasthan's appliqué and zardozi fans to Gujarat's mirror-work and bead fans, Bengal's sola and palm-leaf fans, and the bamboo fans of Bihar and Odisha. In modern times, with the advent of technology, pankhas have become mainly decorative craft items and risk losing their presence. The chapter argues that celebrating pankhas and holding pankha-making workshops can preserve this craft and provide a sustainable livelihood for artisans.
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Origins and ancient use
The word punkha or pankha comes from 'pankh', meaning the feather of a bird. Evidence of pankhas exists in the 2nd-century Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta and in embroidery, sculptures and carvings. In ancient times pankhas fanned deities in temples and kings in royal courts, and ranged from tiny two-inch fans to huge ones needing a person's full arm strength.
Regional varieties
Over time pankhas became significant cultural goods traded across India, each region developing its own materials and intricate designs. Rajasthan has appliqué, zardozi (gold thread), temple (engraved brass) and painted hand fans; Gujarat has mirror-work, bead and Kutch leather fans; Bengal makes sola and palm-leaf (Tal Patar Pankha) fans; Uttar Pradesh has Phadh fans of gold, silver zari, silk and satin; and Bihar and Odisha are known for sturdy bamboo and palm-leaf fans. Many tribes also make their own versions using geometrical patterns.
Changing role and preservation
With the advent of technology and innovative creations, the culture of pankhas risks slowly losing its presence. Once made for personal use, the craft has become a commercial business providing some livelihood to artisans. The chapter urges that celebrating pankhas, appreciating their culture and stories, and holding pankha-making workshops, within and outside handicraft exhibitions, can revive the craft's popularity and create a sustainable livelihood.