Chamba Rumal: History and Techniques

Once the most celebrated and widely patronised art of the Medieveal Princely State of Chamba, the embroidered handkerchief, known as the Chamba Rumals, lie nearly forgotten and have become a dying art among women of the area. Upheld mostly by the Muslim weavers of the area, who bring to life the Hindu Themes of Rumals, they are no longer the coveted part of wedding trousseau they used to be, very rarely practised by young girls of the area now.
With a live weaving session by artist, Heena, this video brings back to you the dying art of Chamba Rumals and its history.

[@simrankaursaini9362]

Loved how the video encapsulated all aspects of the Chamba Rumal in such a concise manner. It is so crucial to understand that handicrafts such as embroidery also have an important role as an archaeological tool. It was interesting to know how the social aspect of the Chamba Rumal has shifted over the areas and further highlights the importance of the need of ethnoarchaeology in India.

[@udaysharma17]

Beautiful explanation, in such a lucid manner!👍

[@buanvino]

Hello , as an admirer of Cultural history
Overwhelmed to see this amazing illustration of Chamba and chamba rumal history. I'm from Kangra. And I have been to Chamba Handicrafts and Handloom coorporation Office, where you can actually witnes the work being done!
There is one more officially recognized centre in Kullu, Rumals of Chamba, where you can customize your own design and buy chamba rumals. Also in Chamba there are few places where you can get these rumals. I bought 3 rumals with different embroidery designs and patterns in December 2022,

[@shivangisharma6921]

HI Ujjwal , can you help me get the contact of someone who makes these personally? I need some for myself.

[@robinscherbatsky6987]

👌very well conceived and presented . Loved to know about the embroidery from Chamba

[@arjunthakur3451]

Awesome......👌

[@robinscherbatsky6987]

How lovely! Making these videos and devoting time to the research study behind it. ❤️

[@apurvasaxena7829]

Enlightening..

[@pushpasharma3053]

Informative and very interesting

[@arwavadnagarwala7104]

Awesome job with the video! I had one question: Were these rumals also displayed in the houses of the people of Chamba perhaps by being hung on a wall like a painting?

[@speakingarchaeologically]

Sometimes, framed and displayed and still are.

[@abhimanyukalsotra5537]

Chamba Rumals are given GI Tag. Has the tag helped the art and artists in any way? (Like more recognition, uniqueness, increase in sale, sustaining the artists etc)

[@speakingarchaeologically]

As of now, nothing grand has happened for the craft or the craftsmen. Again, of the 23 crafts from Chamba, only 8 are recognised by the Government, which itself is something that needs to be noted and taken into account