Occupation Weaver Website Official web site | Name Gajam Govardhana | |
Born 1 September 1949 Putapakka, Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India Awards Padma Shri
UNESCO Award
National Master Weaver Award
Cheongju International Craft Biennale Award
Shilpa Guru Award | ||
Gajam Govardhana is an Indian master weaver, known for his mastery over the art of Ikat dyeing of Telia Rumal tradition and for his handloom creations. The Government of India honoured him in 2011, with the fourth highest civilian award of Padma Shri.
Biography
Gajam Govardhana was born on 1 September 1949 in the small village of Putapakka in Nalgonda district of the south Indian State of Telangana, part of former Andhra Pradesh. He heads the Padmashali family which keeps the Telia Rumal tradition alive and provides work for 500 looms in the state. He runs Murali Sari Emporium, a favoured shopping place for celebrities such as Sonia Gandhi, Shabana Azmi and Sheila Dikshit among others.
Govardhana is credited with several articles and publications. He is also a recipient of many awards such as UNESCO Award for excellence (2002), National Master Weaver Award (2006), Cheongju International Craft Biennale award and the Shilpa Guru Award (2007). The Government of India recognised his services to the art of weaving when he was included in the 2011 Republic Day honours.