Jamdani is a visually appealing, sheer cotton fabric traditionally woven on a handloom by skilled craftspeople and apprentices in Dhaka.
Jamdani is a fine muslin textile that has been produced by the Rupshi family for centuries in South Rupshi on the banks of Shitalakhwa river in Narayanganj district in Bangladesh. Recently, this textile has seen a revival in Bangladesh. In general, it is woven using a mixture of cotton and gold thread.
The earliest reference to Jamdani and its development as an industry can be found in Dhaka, Bangladesh city of Dhakai (Daccai). The name Jamdani was originally derived from Dhaka, a city of ancient textile weaving centers in the Bengal region.
While maintaining breathability, Jamdani textiles combine muted or vibrant colors, and the finished garments are highly breathable and comfortable. Because of their richness of patterns, Jamdani textiles are labor-intensive and require a lot of time and effort to make directly on the loom, using the discontinuous weft technique.
In addition to its popularity for making saris, the principal dress of Bengali women at home and abroad, weaving is alive and well today. Jamdani saris are worn as symbols of identity and dignity, as well as social cohesion.
Weavers develop an occupational identity and take pride in their heritage; they enjoy social recognition and respect for their skills. Some master weavers are known as bearers of traditional Jamdani motifs and weaving techniques, and they pass on their knowledge and skills to their disciples.
However, the Jamdani weaving craft is mainly transmitted from parents to their children in home workshops, in a closely-knit community with a sense of unity, identity, and continuity. This community also includes spinners, dyers, loom dressers, and practitioners of other supporting crafts.
As mentioned by a national daily, a senior weaver earns between Tk 2,500 and Tk 3,000 per month. Junior weavers earn less, around Tk 1,600. For this reason, many weaver families prefer the more lucrative garment industry.
However, Jamdani is one of the oldest forms of the cottage industry in Bangladesh. It was once a dying trade until it was revived by the government and other organizations. They are hoping to avoid middlemen and establish direct contact with the weavers.
Today, there are many organizations that are assisting designers to come up with new Jamdani designs, including the Radiant Institute of Design, Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, and National Institute of Design.
Currently, Jamdani Sarees have grown in popularity, they are recognized as symbols of aristocracy.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-art-of-jamdani-weaving-00879) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamdani) |Subject=Craftsmanship and Practices |Country=Bangladesh |Region=Dhaka |SDG=(08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production }}