Over 400 years old, in the 16th Century, Danke-ka-Kaam was brought to India by the small Bohra community. They had migrated to Rajasthan, and settled there to practise this embroidery.

Danka work lies at the epicenter of the Rajasthani royal culture – it was an integral part of the traditional poshaks (attires) worn by the Mewari Rajput women of the state. Danka embroidered clothing was considered to be a staple for them at weddings and various different festivals.

Conventionally, the attire consists of kanchali (blouse), ghagra, which is a full-length gathered skirt, and odhni, a traditional veil.

‘Danka’ is a small plate that often varies in shape and size, but is not bigger than 1.5 cm. It was originally made of pure gold, but it is now silver-plated instead due to the high costs. In order to make the danka, thin and well-finished sheets of silver (98% pure) are electroplated in gold. Then, they are washed in water and polished using fine sand. The strips are cut to the appropriate size, and the pieces are hammered with stone until they begin to look like the tip of an ice-cream cone. This was earlier known as korpatti ka kaam.

Next, the fabric being used is stretched tightly over a wooden frame before the embroidery begins, and using a sharp needle, the artisans stitch the thread through the fabric.

Around 3-5 pieces of kasab, which is a gold or silver wire, are woven across and under the danka pieces. With a total of eight stitches shaped like a knot, it is attached to the fabric.

Due to the involvement of precious metals in Danke-ka-Kaam, the price of the finished item is measured by its weight.