Budaun is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located on the banks of the Sot River. It has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Budaun was an important centre of Islamic learning and culture Budaun is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located on the banks of the Sot River. It has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

One of the famous handicrafts of Budaun is Zari Zardosi embroidery. Budaun grows as a satellite cluster under the shadow of Bareilly. Zarkala works with members from the Salarpur block of the Budaun district. Salarpur is a block in the Budaun district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The block is in the district's western part, bordered by the Bisauli block to the north, the Wazirganj block to the east, the Gunnaur block to the south, and the Chandausi block to the west.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in Salarpur block, with wheat, sugarcane, and mustard being the major crops grown. The block also has several small-scale industries, including brick kilns, carpet handloom weaving, and wood carving. 

We, the members of Zarkala are women who are farm labourers and have been part-time embroiderers. We used to embroider but had discontinued embroidery. Through the intervention of Zarkala, we are getting trained to embroider. Since Bareilly has retained to be a cluster known for intricate zari zardozi, Badaun has been influenced by that cluster.

Many men from our community have also been experts in the technique, most of whom have migrated to metropolitan cities to work for boutique owners or renowned designer labels. We have a few community members who have also learnt to weave carpets. 

The art of embroidery allows some young girls to work from home. 

We spent the time in the training centre chatting and enjoying while working on embroidering the pieces together. We alleviate each other’s spirits and learn collectively.