IGRMS holds lecture on ‘Chamba Rumal’
Under the Museum Folklore Lecture Series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), a lecture on ‘Chamba Rumal’, a popular embroidered handicraft of Himachal Pradesh was held. Dr Rohini Arora was keynote speaker of the lecture. Director of IGRMS Dr P K Mishra said that there are many art techniques in Himachal Pradesh which are indicative of its rich style. But Chamba Rumal has given this State a different identity across the world. This lecture will open a way for new researchers and your work will be known as a reference work. Introducing the keynote speaker, Dr Surya Kumar Pandey said that Dr Rohini Arora did her PhD in Textile and Apparel Science from Lady Irvin College, University of Delhi in the year 2015 on ‘Capacity Building of Artisans for the Sustainability of Traditional Chamba Embroidery’. During her research work, she did important work on skill development of traditional artists of Chamba Embroidery especially Chamba Rumal by documenting the traditional dyeing process, techniques, designs and related materials in detail.
During this, a large collection of various attractive samples of Chamba embroidery was made. Delivering the Museum popular lecture, Dr Rohini Arora said that Pahari region is well known for a tradition of illustrious embroidery done by women in their leisure time with great passion. It was originally practised in various parts of undivided Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is primarily known for its spectacular Chamba rumals, pahari cholies and household articles. The most famous form of embroidery is Chamba rumals which are known for their double-sided embroidery and designs. The other form of embroidery can also be seen in apparel and utilitarian products such as cholies, hand fans, patkas, cushion covers, chaupar etc.
This form of embroidery is worked in single-sided stitches on khaddar fabric using untwisted silk yarns. Unfortunately, out of this big umbrella of craft, only Chamba rumals are being made in compromised quality with altered material and designs. Also despite being popular in the vast pahari region the embroidery is presently practiced in only one stitch i.e. double darning long and short stitches in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. It’s the only place, where the embroidery is being carried out presently. It’s here that the research has been undertaken with an aim to explore, innovate, and help this fascinating craft regain its past grandeur and glory.