Himachal pradesh - Kullu Shawls
- Nidhi Shegokar
- Aug 28, 2023
- 2 min read
The Kullu shawl, a twill-weave garment woven in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its patterned borders. Crafted from coarse local wool sourced from the region's sheep or finer wool like pashmina, angora, and merino, the shawl features a black, natural grey, or white body adorned with vibrant multicoloured borders and occasional floral motifs.
The distinctive weaving style of the Kullu shawl originated in Kinnaur and was introduced to Kullu in the 19th century when weavers migrated from Kinnaur. Previously, Kullu's shawls were plain or checked, lacking motifs. This changed with the influence of Kinnaur's patterned textiles. The Kullu shawl diverges from Kinnaur weaving with its coarser double-thread patterning, vibrant colours, and incorporation of fluorescent shades.
The shawl's evolution includes contributions from the Bushehri people and master weaver Tanjenram Bhagat. The weaving process involves pit looms for local wool and frame or jacquard looms for commercial or fine wool. Weaving techniques include both throw-shuttle and fly-shuttle methods, with the latter being faster. Both men and women partake in weaving, and the final shawl is often adorned with tassels and dyed.
Distinctive patterns, including geometric designs, animals, and objects, are woven onto the shawls using techniques like extra-weft weaving. Kullu shawls significantly contribute to Himachal Pradesh's economy, involving numerous weavers and cooperatives. They obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2004 and are available in cooperative shops and local markets across the region. Efforts to support sales through online platforms have also been initiated.
In summary, the Kullu shawl, characterised by patterned borders, is woven in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, from coarse local or fine wool. Its weaving style evolved from Kinnaur influences and features vibrant designs. It contributes substantially to the region's economy, supported by cooperatives and online sales initiatives.
Source
https://mapacademy.io/article/kullu-shawl/