Craft tradition has existed in several forms and the hill state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its art and craft including Chamba Rumal. Certain regions of the state have epitomized its traditional art, craft, and culture. One of these is Chamba which is a 1000-year-old region. True to its rich cultural history, it has several forms of traditional craft including Chamba rumal.

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Chamba Rumal History

Chamba rumal history is an interesting mix of different cultures and traditions. It has been influenced by Pahari art which flourished in the neighbouring states of Nurpur and Kangra. Since the early seventeenth century, Chamba had historic connections with the states of Nurpur and Kangra. Owing to political affiliations with these regions it was imperative that this has an influence on its art and culture. This has been amply reflected in Chamba rumal embroidery styles and patterns too.

Infact, this rumal is famous for its artistically done embroidery. It was under the rule of Raja Umed Singh that a healthy association between Mughal painters and those familiar with Pahari art was established.

With the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in neighboring regions during 1821, the Panjabi style of culture began reflecting in these rumal. These got more colourful with a tinge of yellow being added.

Chamba Rumal Embroidery

This rumal is much beyond being a simple handkerchief. It is usually found in double side frame, sheets and dupattas too. Images of bygone era, tales of the past raj years and local stories also have been depicted in number of these rumal.

Do rukha tanka style has been predominantly used in manufacturing of these rumal. Double satin stich is done in such cases so that both sides of rumal reflect the same design.

Traditionally the threads used in designing of these rumal were extracted from natural products. Dye made from majith was used for red colour, naspal was used brown, kai for green and so on. Though these have been replaced with synthetic threads but the unique style still persists.

Range of Themes

Each of the rumal has its unique story to tell. These are theme based rumal with inscription of Lord Shiv, Krishna and Rama being done. Tales from Rayaman, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Purana also find mention in some of the artistically done rumal.

Minjar Mela, manimahesh yatra, love tales of Sassi Punnu also find mention in some of the rumal.

Chamba Rumal buy online

If you wish to buy this unique product there are a range of Chamba Rumal buy online options. If you can afford to buy a premium Rumal, one of the best options is that of a hand embroidered Rumal.

Made of cotton, when you opt for this Chamba Rumal buy online product, you will get a hand-embroidered cream colour Rumal which measures 37 by 37-inch Rumal. This is a unique product that was patronized by the Royalty of Chamba and carries out to date.

This Rumal is known for its double stain stitch which you will find nowhere across India in any of the hand embroidered products. The stitching is done in such a unique manner in this Rumal that the embroidery is identical on each side of this product. You will find no knot on either side of this Rumal. Painters who are well acquainted with Pahari style of painting work relentlessly to bring this product to life.

Chamba Rumal GI Tag

With this Rumal getting its GI tag, this embroidery’s popularity has risen to the next level. The allocation of the Rumal GI tag also gave the opportunity to artisans to further increase their reach and let the world know about the popularity of this product.

Chamba Rumal GI Tag was listed under the GI Act of 1999 on 22^nd January 2007.

Chamba Rumal Price

The price of rumal varies owing to intricate embroidery done on different sets. Ranging from Rs 3,000/- these can be bought for Rs 50,000/- These have been registered under GI Act 1999 and has been listed as Chamba Rumal on 22 January 2007. You will find most of these in square and rectangular shape.

Skilled artisans from Chamba have been crafting these rumal since ages and mostly the work has been shifted over generations. The reflection of traditional art and culture is still evident in these rumal and showcase the rich tradition of Chamba, the oldest town of Himachal Pradesh!

FAQs

Shed some Light on the Technique used in Chamba Rumal.

A unique fact about this rumal is that stitching is done simultaneously on both sides. This makes it look similar and alike on both ends. This style of embroidery is also known as “do rukha”. This art is usually done on mal mal or khaddar cloth which makes it all the more unique.

What is the reason for the popularity of Chamba Rumal?

It is said that during the 17th century, this embroidery was done by the Royal Ladies. These rumals were given as gifts during weddings and other important functions. This tradition continues till date and you will find these in all households in this region.