Unveil the Timeless Elegance of Shataranji Carpets
Shataranji (Bengali: শতরঞ্জি) is a traditional hand-woven carpet from the Rangpur region of Bangladesh, with roots stretching back several centuries. Once a favourite of the nobility, these carpets are now a well-liked export because to their exquisite design and skill. Shataranji’s distinctive cultural value is highlighted by its coveted designation as a Geographical Indication Product in 2021.
These carpets are useful as well as stylish; they sometimes double as warm blankets. For local weavers, being recognized as a Geographical Indication is revolutionary. They may reach intermediaries, broaden their global reach, and open up new markets with its assistance.Shataranji weavers are ready to share their art with the world and are enthusiastic about the future with their newfound prominence.
History of Shataranji
Shataranji, a customary carpet crafted by hand in Bangladesh’s Rangpur area, is said to have its origins in the Mughal era. Even with its extensive historical background, Shataranji’s exact beginnings are still unknown. This rich tradition has been preserved through the generations-long transmission of the complex weaving skills needed to manufacture Shataranji carpets within the same families.
In the 1830s, British civil servant Ms. Nisbet, who was then the Collector of Rangpur, visited Peerpur, a village near Rangpur, and discovered the local art of Shataranji weaving. Enthralled with the exquisiteness and excellence of the carpets, Nisbet leveraged his position to elevate the art form, culminating in the area being rechristened Nisbetganj in his memory. During the British colonial era, Shataranji carpets became extremely famous throughout the Indian subcontinent and were sold to nations like Malaysia, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Following India’s partition, Shataranji’s popularity declined sharply, pushing the art form perilously near extinction. But in recent years, Shataranji has had an amazing resurgence. This return has been fuelled by improvements in industrial production techniques as well as a purposeful marketing push by Karupanya Limited The revival of Shataranji’s reputation as a result of these advancements has guaranteed the survival and public acknowledgment of this age-old trade.
Materials and Process
The principal raw material for weaving Shataranji is yarn, which comes in various forms such as cotton, jute, wool, and other fibers. Once acquired, the yarn is dyed in vibrant colors and dried on bamboo frames, which can range from 10 to 35 feet in length. After drying, the yarn is bundled and either fixed in a loom or laid out on the floor for hand-knitting into a Shataranji.
It takes a great deal of expertise and dexterity to weave. One square foot of Shataranji takes an artisan between one and three hours to make, using a Panja, a tool that resembles a comb, to tighten the strands. The elaborate designs can feature pictures of people, animals, birds, mythological figures, and landscapes. Though new colors and patterns can be made based on buyer preferences, traditional colors like red, blue, and black often dominate the designs.
Shapes and Sizes
Shataranji pieces typically have a rectangular shape but can also be crafted into oval or square forms depending on the buyer’s requirements. The minimum size is 30 inches by 20 inches, while the maximum can extend to 30 feet by 20 feet. Numerous uses are possible due to the size and shape flexibility, ranging from vast floor coverings to little ornamental objects.
Design and Aesthetic
The artistry of Shataranji weaving is not just about technical skill but also about the aesthetic sensibility of the artisan. Every item showcases the weaver’s ability to combine artistic expression with practicality. Historically, specialized artists would finalize the designs for Shataranji, but now, artisans themselves often create or receive designs from buyers.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Shataranji weaving has several difficulties in spite of its long history and relevance to culture. A lack of raw resources, minimal government support, and limited domestic and international marketing opportunities are among the issues impeding the craft’s growth.If these issues are resolved, though, there is a chance that Shataranji weaving will see a comeback and take back its former position of significance in the textile industry.
Not only a craft, shastanji weaving is a showcase for the skill and creativity of its weavers. Technical proficiency and a profound sense of aesthetic beauty are combined in this art form. Shataranji weaving has the ability to flourish and reclaim its historical significance given the correct assistance and resources.