Himachal Pradesh does not only recognize for its scenic beauty but also for the unique art. Right from jaw-dropping views to eye-catching art, everything is great in Himachal Pradesh. Due to this reason, it becomes a popular tourist destination.
The tourists can easily observe their art in various forms. These forms include drawings, in Chamba Rumal and so on. The delicate design of Chamba Rumal grabs the attention of the tourists. There is no comparison between the simple hankies and the Chamba Rumal. When it comes to simple handkerchiefs the masses use them on the daily basis.
On the other side, Chamba Rumal is not like the normal Rumal. They are too rare and have numerous designs. This Chamba Rumal represents the Himalayan embroidery and their craft traditions. In addition to it, this Rumal gets its name from the Chamba. Along with it, Chamba is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh and at this place; peoples have been practised for centuries. In the 2nd century BC ago, it was considered the most ancient destination in the state.
About the Chamba Rumal
This region got popularity from its history, landscapes, and architecture. In addition to it, their local community is also gain name and fame from their hearts and crafts especially in the Pahari Paintings.
From the 17th century, the Pahari School of art got the designation of royal patronage. Moreover, no doubt, miniature Pahari paintings are available in different forms. However, the idea of needlework of the Chamba Rumal got from the art movement.
The embroidery on the Chamba Rumal is a great combination of miniature art and embroidery. In addition to it, the shapes of these Rumals are either square or rectangular.
The base art is designated by the intricate lines. The miniature art experts draw these intricate lines. After the completion of art, the work of embroidery is done by the women. The embroidery is done on the fabric.
The Appearance of Chamba Rumal
Further, a great example regarding this kind of embroidery can be observed in Punjab. The sister of Sikh spiritual leader Guru Nanak who is Bebe Nanki reported about the embroidered one in the 16th century. In addition to it, this is item was kept in the Hoshiarpur Shrine.
Moreover, another handkerchief appeared in Britain in 1883. It is a time when Raja Gopal Singh represented the Chamba Rumal to the British. In addition to it, that Chamba Rumal had the embroidery of the Mahabharata scene. After that, it was added to the collection of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Uses of Chamba Rumal
Back in the 17th century, queens and royal ladies of Chamba embroidered the Chamba Rumal. Further, they used it in the wedding dowries, for gifting to their kith and kin, and various ceremonial coverings.
After that, the local craft clusters have been started their practice. Even, these Rumals become the crucial part of weddings. The families of brides and grooms exchange these Rumals at the marriage ceremony.
It indicates the sign of Goodwill. The pleasing colour schemes enhance their value and attract the majority of the masses.
Registration of Chamba Rumal
The Chamba Rumal was registered especially for the protection. It is under the Geographical Indication of the TRIPS agreement. The term TRIPS is known as the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights. Moreover, on the date of 22 January 2007 this product was listed as the “Chamba Rumal which is under the GI Act 1999 of the Government of India.
In addition to it, the registration of the Chamba Rumal was confirmed by the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks. This registration was done under classes 24 as the Textile and Textile goods, vide application number 79.
Process of Making Chamba Rumal
It is also named the “needle wonder”. The Chamba Rumal is available in mainly two shapes that are square and rectangular. Moreover, different materials are used in the production of the Chamba Rumal. These materials include muslin, khaddar (it is a kind of coarse fabric), malmal, and silk threads without having knots, and so on.
The faces of the cloth are stitched with the help of the forward and backward technique and they use the double satin stitch. In addition to it, the main purpose of using this technique is for maintaining the uniformity of the designs on both faces of Rumal. Once the embroidery is completed, then the fabric is stitched by the border of near about 2 to 4 inches on all equal sides.
Apart from it, women embroidered the great ornamental patterns with the help of untwined thread. This kind of thread is made from silk which production occurred in the Sialkot which is in Pakistan, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. In addition to it, the embroidered technique which they use is also known as either the dohara tanka or the double satin stitch. This method comes from Kashmir and after that, it was adopted in Chamba and Basholi.
Chamba Rumal has a unique kind of art that represents different things. The unique art of this Rumal creates the wall of difference between the simple Rumal and this one. There were numerous painting styles which were influenced by the Chamba Rumal.
However, this artwork lost its importance and its patronage. Further, their quality was ruined because of the commercialization. This is because they are making several varieties of things. These things include table clothes, clothing, cushion covers.
In addition to it, several machines manufactured this kind of products but there is a huge difference between the handwork and machine work. To large extent, this great artwork did not get the importance which was it deserve. The needlework, embroidery, and unique designs make the Chamba Rumal different from the others.
In the end, the above-mentioned information is all about the Chamba Rumal which is fruitful for you. In addition to it, you can also search the more details about the Chamba Rumal. You will get plenty of information right from its existence to lose its value. The Chamba Rumal was also a sign of royalty and used on several prominent occasions like marriages as part of the dowry.