Keeping the Art of Rug-Making Alive

In Panjab's rugged hinterlands, daris (rugs) were once packed as warm wedding gifts for daughters by their mothers in their daaj (dowry). Later, the art also started helping women gain financial independence. A new book published by Patiala-based publishing house Autumn Art records journeys of 100 such women weavers from rural Panjab who have kept it going despite odds. Titled Namune Dariyan De: Dariyan Wali Peti, (Rug Designs: Box of Rugs) the book is compiled by Jagdish Kaur, professor of Panjabi, department of agricultural journalism, languages and culture, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The book was released on International Women’s Day on 8 Mar; it is an ode to the resilience of rural women since pre-1947 undivided Panjab. It traces the long journey of daris from an emotional wedding gift for daughters to a source of livelihood, financial independence and recognition and showcases 200 samples and designs of daris, hand woven by women of Panjab. Kaur says, ‘Our research shows the art dates back to the 13th century. Families used to give charkhas (spinning wheel) as gifts to women. The designs include Lahore da burj (towers of Lahore), Taj Mahal to Bathinda da qila (Bathinda fort), from folklore characters Mirza Sahiban to vegetable vines to fruit orchards; animals, birds, traditional musical instruments and maps of undivided India and Panjab; and even weapons such as guns and pistols. We found women had woven Panjab’s history and culture and recorded them in their own way.’