India’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its vibrant art and architecture and its traditional crafts, one of which is dhurrie weaving. These sturdy, handwoven rugs, known for their durability and intricate designs, have long been a staple in Indian households. Dhurries are more than just decorative pieces; they embody centuries-old traditions, craftsmanship, and the way of life in the regions where they are produced. From Rajasthan to Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, each region in India offers its unique twist on this versatile craft. Here’s a look at the fascinating dhurrie rug-weaving traditions of India.
Jamakkalam originates in Bhawani, located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. These rugged, thick, colourful carpets earned a GI tag in 2005. The simplicity of the design is balanced by a unique selection of colours that stand out from even far away. These cotton dhurrie rugs continue to be woven traditionally on a four-pedal handloom, with the weaver sitting on a plank next to the cloth beam.
To make Jamkhana dhurrie rugs, weavers from Navalgund spin raw cotton threads on a vertical loom crafted from a pit. The patterns are made using the inlay technique, and an L-shaped jagged metal claw is used as the weft beater. A typical design seen on many Jamkhana dhurrie rugs is bright cubes that look like a chess board where people play dice games.
These long-lasting, sturdy, and vibrant dhurrie rugs are named after a tool used in their creation. A panja is a metallic-claw-like tool weavers use to beat the threads into the warp. They feature intricate designs (like waves, flowers, and geometric shapes) manually crafted using jute, cotton or woollen yarn.
Kutch is home to many colourful handicrafts that find space in many households. These dhurrie rugs also stand out in design and making like those decor pieces. They are mostly made of camel or sheep wool on floor looms, where the weaver sits on a plank running across the warp's width. The design features clean geometric patterns arranged to form flowers and other shapes.