Design Resource
Charaka
The Making of Spinning Wheel
by
Introduction
The word “Charaka” refers to “spinning wheel” which is used to spin yarn. In Uttarakhand, Charaka is used to spin wool yarn for weaving sweaters and other wool products. In Bageshwar, village of Uttarakhand; Charaka is creatively designed with very basic raw material and with less equipment which are easily available locally.
Charkha making is a traditional craft of India. The traditional Charaka started many years ago, and the artisans of Bageshwar have adopted this craft from their ancestors. These artisans are not only skilled in creating economic and compact Charaka but are also skilled enough to use natural resources (water flow in the mountains) to produce energy which will help to run or operate automated cutting machines.
Charkha helps to spin the fibers like cotton, silk and wool into fine threads. The twisted yarn later help to weave in loom using fly-shuttle with loaded wool spindle.
