Banjara Embroidery Bags: A Wholesale Buyer Guide to Clutches, Jholas and Shoulder Bags
Updated: Oct 6
Banjara embroidery bags are some of the most recognisable boho accessories in the world. Dense thread work, little mirrors, cowrie shells and tassels make every clutch or shoulder bag look like a small piece of textile art. If you run a boutique, a festival fashion label or a gift store, this guide explains the craft and what to check before you order in volume.
Who are the Banjara?
The Banjara, also known as Lambani or Lambada, are a historically nomadic community who once moved goods such as salt and grain by caravan across India. Many Banjara families now live in settlements known as tandas, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan. Their women developed a bold style of embroidery for clothing and household textiles, and that visual language now inspires a wide range of bags and accessories. You can read more in the Gaatha craft documentation on Lambani embroidery.
What makes the embroidery distinctive?
Mirror work: round, square or rectangular mirrors stitched into the fabric.
Shells, coins and beads: cowrie shells in particular are described as a symbol of Lambani craft.
Tassels and fringes: hanging threads, pom poms and bead drops on edges and straps.
Many stitch types: craft researchers record around 40 stitches, including back stitch and chain stitch variations.
Pieced fabric: small pieces of coloured cotton are often joined in a patchwork base before embroidery.
Strong colours: red, black, mustard, green and blue appear again and again.
A note on GI: Sandur Lambani Embroidery
One regional form of this craft is protected. Sandur Lambani Embroidery from Ballari (Bellary) district in Karnataka is a registered Geographical Indication, Application No. 134, registered in September 2010. The GI filing describes patchwork embroidery with mirrors, white metal ornaments and sea shells made by Lambani women of the Sandur area.
Banjara style bags made in other regions, including Jaipur, share the look but are not covered by that GI. As a buyer, ask your supplier where the bags are made and describe them accurately. We call ours Banjara style or Banjara embroidered bags, handmade in Jaipur.
Popular Banjara bag styles for retail
Clutch bags: flap-front clutches with mirror and tassel trims, ideal for evening and festival wear.
File clutches: larger flap bags that fit documents or a tablet, often with a long strap.
Matka jhola bags: rounded shoulder bags with a tassel fringe, a strong statement piece.
Shoulder bags and totes: everyday bags covered in dense embroidery.
Pouches and purses: small zip pouches for cards, cash and phones, popular as gifts.
See our current Banjara bags and cotton accessories with sizes, bulk prices and sample prices.
Quality checks before you confirm
Stitch density and neatness: look at the reverse side. Loose loops and long floats snag in use.
Mirror security: mirrors should be held firmly by the stitching around them, with no sharp edges exposed.
Lining and zips: check the lining seams and test zips and magnetic snaps several times.
Straps and handles: pull test the attachment points, especially on heavier shoulder bags.
Colour fastness: bright dyes can bleed. Ask for a simple wet rub test on a sample.
Natural variation: every piece is embroidered by hand, so motifs and colours vary. Agree what counts as variation and what counts as a defect.
MOQ, samples and lead time
Handmade bags are produced in small batches. Our approach is a sample order of at least 10 pieces in total, with designs mixed, followed by bulk orders at the bulk price from 500 units. Assorted colour bags are packed as mixed assortments unless you specify colour ratios.
HS codes to discuss with your broker
Handbags with an outer surface of textile usually fall under HS 4202.22, while other bags with a textile outer surface, such as shopping bags, may fall under HS 4202.92, according to the WCO nomenclature. Your customs broker confirms the final code.
The bigger picture
Embroidered goods are a major part of India's craft exports. The Press Information Bureau reports exports of embroidered and crocheted goods worth ₹4,350 crore in FY 2024-25.
Order Banjara style bags from Kraft Bharat
We supply handmade Banjara style clutches, file clutches, jhola bags and shoulder bags from Jaipur. Browse the handmade cotton and patchwork collection and send us an inquiry for samples.
Frequently asked questions
What are Banjara embroidery bags?
A bold embroidery style of the Banjara (Lambani) community, known for mirror work, cowrie shells, tassels, bright colours and many stitch types.
Are Banjara bags GI tagged?
Sandur Lambani Embroidery from Ballari, Karnataka is a registered GI. Banjara style bags made elsewhere, such as Jaipur, share the look but are not covered by that GI.
What is the MOQ for Banjara bags?
Our sample order is at least 10 pieces in total with designs mixed, and bulk prices apply from 500 units.
Related reading
Kraft Bharat is one of the handicraft exporters in India supplying handmade products to retailers in the UK, US, Australia and UAE. Browse our catalogue or contact our export team.
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