Appliqué in India has long served ritual and domestic needs, from Odisha’s temple textiles to Gujarat’s patch traditions. In Rajasthan, appliqué developed along desert trade routes and migratory pathways, evolving into a bold craft distinguished by cutwork panels and mirror inlay. Emerging strongly in regions such as Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, it served both functional and ceremonial roles—adorning tents, torans, camel trappings and bridal textiles.