Shataranji (Bengali: শতরঞ্জি) is a weaving technique of the Rangpur region of Bangladesh. It has been declared a Geographical Indication Product of Bangladesh in 2021.[1][2][3] It is used to produce carpets that are fashionable, artistic, and practical, especially when used as a blanket. Due to the expense involved in its production, Shataranji was considered a symbol of aristocracy.
Shatranji | |
---|---|
Geographical indication | |
Description | A traditional handicraft of Rangpur region of Bangladesh |
Country | Bangladesh |
Material | Fabric |
This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (November 2023) |
History
editAccording to local tradition, Shataranji is believed to date back to the Mughal Empire.[2] The weaving techniques are passed down generation to generation among the same weaver families. They, however, can not make exact claim regarding how old this tradition is. In 1830s, Ms. Nisbet, a British civil servant and the then Collector of Rangpur, visited the village of Peerpur near the city of Rangpur. He incidentally discover the villages of the weavers of Shataranji. He was impressed by the product and took government actions to promote this handicraft. In his honor, that part of the city was named Nisbetganj.[4][5] During British rule, this product became known all over the Indian subcontinent and found exporting destinations in Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.[6] After the Partition of India, this product started losing its popularity and it nearly became extinct. It saw a resurgence in the last few decades because of a switch to industrial production, marketing and exporting by Karupanya Limited.
Weaving style
editShataranji is a handloom process and no modern technology is used. The main raw material for weaving is cotton yarn, jute yarn, wool and some other types of fibers.[1] Ropes made out of fibers are woven in some geometrical measurements by hand. During this process ropes of different colors and different techniques are used for bringing different kind of designs inside it. Designs represents the weaver's own artwork and the local tradition of the north.
The minimum size of a “Rangpur Shataranji” is 30 x 20 inches, and its maximum size is 30 x 20 feet. A 6 x 9-foot carpet requires two workers to work for two full days, while a 1.5 x 3-foot carpet requires one weaver to work for 3 hours, according to Mr. Zakiruzzaman. If the designs are intricate, weavers will need more time.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c ""Rangpur Shataranji" – A Geographical Indication of Bangladesh". www.wipo.int. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
- ^ a b "Shatranji earns GI recognition". The Daily Star. 18 June 2021.
- ^ "Shatranji recognized as GI product of Bangladesh". Bangla News24. 2021-06-17.
- ^ বাংলাদেশ লোকজ সংস্কৃতি গ্রন্থমালা, রংপুর। বাংলা একাডেমী। Page 122,123। ISBN 984-07-5118-2।
- ^ "Shataranji of Rangpur is going to Europe". Teller Business.
- ^ "Shataranji". Banglapedia.