Jamdani

"JAMDANI" is magnificent piece of weaving creation, an unique cultural heritage of undivided Bengal textile. Fabulously rich in motifs, Jamdani is a type of extra weft weaving art ever. This hand-woven textile carries a much older cultural history than we can imagine.

Jamdani weaving and its geometric pattern of designs are part of an ancient Bengali tradition. Jamdani designs are not embroidered on the surface of textile or not a print. They are woven directly on the loom using a needle with discontinued weft technique. One of the most intricately patterned and aesthetically elaborated Jamdani had reached its artistic height during the Mughal era.

Notably the word Jamdani is from Persian origin, means a "Vase of Flowers"; 'Jam' meaning flower and 'Dani' meaning a vase. But has been variously interpreted; "Jaam" also means wine. The artist is happy to use either metaphor for the finished fabric is as exotic as it is elegant. Its figures and floral motifs woven on a gossamer-like weaves with a silken feel, make it a product of stunning sophistication that can only come from the finest weavers. The Jamdani is a pleasurable for every eye.

Today the challenge is to ensure the maintenance of delicacy of Jamdani work. The continuation of this artistic tradition depends on how the next generation of weavers is able to retain the skills of their ancestor.

Waving jamdani is not only a matter of masterly craftsmanship. It is also about a labour intensive, time consuming process. The weavers need to be adequately compensated, so that the trade remains financially rewarding, which a biggest challenge is against widely exposed a machine made market.