Chikan name is originated from a Persian term called Chikan that means Kashidakari (embroidery).
Nur Jahan wife of Jahangir, a very talented lady started this craft of replicating the beautiful eccentric carvings done on the walls of the empire to the fabric with the help of needle and thread. She taught the art to several villagers. From then, the villagers started making Do-palli topis (caps) and Angarkhas and decorated it with intricate designs using combinations of Chikankari stitches. They followed a trend of gifting these hand-made topis and Angarkhas to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
Earlier it was done with white thread on white muslin but the quality and variation evolved over the years keeping up with the fashion needs and demand for variety.