Study on sustainable practices in quilting textile handicraft: a case study in Sujani craft of Bihar, India

Textile quilting crafts reflect cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and the lived experiences of communities, representing ancestral skills passed down through generations. Traditionally, transforming discarded textiles into quilts has been practised by nomadic communities worldwide in diverse forms and under different names. The traditional Sujani quilt of Bihar, India is a distinctive form of embroidery and quilting that extends far beyond livelihood generation. It represents a rich repository of indigenous knowledge, embodied skills, cultural practices, and artistic traditions that have been transmitted across generations. Through its distinctive motifs, narratives, techniques, and community-based practices, Sujani contributes to the preservation of the region’s cultural identity while providing an important means of sustaining traditional knowledge and strengthening the continuity of its cultural heritage. Created through the reuse and upcycling of discarded textiles and clothing, Sujani demonstrates resourcefulness in material use while giving new life to old fabrics through intricate embroidery and quilting. Sujani was a household craft throughout the region; however, the tradition has declined considerably, and now it is on the verge of extinction. Although Sujani has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India and gained recognition through international exhibitions and museum collections, the craft continues to face challenges in attracting younger practitioners and contemporary consumers. Approximately 600 women artisans are currently engaged in the commercial practice of Sujani embroidery and quilting in and around Bhusra village, Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India. Their continued engagement in Sujani contributes not only to local livelihood generation but also to the preservation, transmission, and contemporary continuity of this traditional craft practice. This study examines the sustainability dimensions of Sujani as a case study of traditional textile quilting in Mithila. It explores the craft’s historical evolution, materials, techniques, and contemporary relevance as a source of livelihood and cultural continuity. It pays particular attention to reuse and upcycling practices and their contribution to extending the life of discarded textiles and reducing material waste. The study highlights the interconnected environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of Sujani and its relevance to selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly responsible consumption and production, decent work and economic growth, gender equality, and cultural heritage preservation.