Lucknow, March 8 -- The intricate needle-and-thread craft of Chikankari, which has represented the city across the seven seas, stands tall-sustained by thousands of women artisans who work tirelessly, completing these knotty designs while sitting in the verandahs of their homes in the narrow lanes and bylanes of the old city.

Chikankari has received Geographical Indication (GI) status from the Geographical Indication Registry (GIR), making Lucknow an exclusive hub of the craft. While the story of Chikankari is commonly narrated, the tale of these women artisans continues to remain untold.

For Sabina Huda (39), an artisan working in a workshop, the day begins early as she completes household chores, gets her kids ready for school, and co...