Design Resource
Carpet Weaving - Warangal, Telangana
Making of Durries
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral,Divyadarshan C. S. and Rohit C.
Introduction
Located in the southern region of India, in the state of Telangana, Warangal carpets are pride of the region. The metropolitan city of Warangal is a combination of three cities – Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda, locally called as Ekasila Nagaram in Telugu language.
The history of Warangal carpets dates back to the Mughal era, when the Mughal army came down to south in Deccan region of India, an army comprising of artists and craftsmen started making carpets and sooner the local people had accepted it as their part of regular income. This was due to abundant availability of cotton locally and around the city of Warangal. The craft has never faced the shortage of materials at any point of time.
Warangal Carpets is an established industry in the state of Telangana, with a large community of skilled laborers and artisans for both dyeing the yarn to weave. There are typically three types / purpose of carpets are made in Warangal, one being called as jainamaaz / musallah or a prayer rugs used by Muslim community for praying daily, which has tombs and pillars known as “Minars” of their religious beliefs will be weaved in an interesting geometric format with eye catching color combination, which are inspired by the local flora and fauna, it is truly divine to use it for the prayer and to have a touch and feel of it. These prayer carpets are still used by the Muslim community for praying in mosque or in home. The second type of the carpet being block printed, these are used in decorating home and as a lifestyle product. Generally artisan makes a plane or off white blanket and then it is printed with blocks of required designs. The block prints are generally inspired by Persian style of carpet with rich and royal motifs pattern on it. And the third type being original to the region, containing geometric flat patterns of various dimensions and gorgeously planned color schemes inspired by the local flora fauna, Mughal structures, daily life and distinctive occupations in which the local people are involved, like agriculture, handicraft etc. These motifs are angular in motion with very precise geometric design having horizontal directions. These are locally called as jamkhanas or shatranjis and are used during guest’s arrival in home, marriages, special ceremonies etc. These carpets are a way of welcoming and respecting guests for them to sit on it which plays a very important role in Indian cultural and social aspects. Usually these carpets are made in indigo and red colors and design motifs are done in a much neutral colours to break the visual barrier of being monotonous in nature. The weavers here belong to Padmasali community and weaving is their hereditary occupation. There is either a pit loom or framed loom used to get the job done. Many weavers are linked with cooperative societies to maintain a study flow of income, and few weave independently. The size of the carpet can range from smallest of up to 1.5 / 2 feet to highest of 9 / 12 feet and above.
