The Story Of
Chamba Rumaal
The Chamba Rumaal is no ordinary handkerchief. This craft form can be seen all the way from the times of Guru Nanak to the 2022 G20 summit. This is an Illustration I created for a story on Chamba Rumaal, published by ThisDay App.
The Final Illustration
This double-embroidered piece of cloth is used not as a regular handkerchief but as a cover for gifts and offerings. This is of particular significance in religious rituals where offerings are made to the gods covered in these rumaals. They are also used to cover religious texts. Similarly, gifts that are exchanged during wedding and pre-wedding ceremonies are also covered using the Chamba Rumaal.
Close-up of theembriodery
The Chamba Rumaal is characterized by a special embroidery where both the sides of the cloth are stitched at the same time using the ‘do rukha tanka’ technique. Popularly known as the double satin stitch, this type of embroidery is not seen anywhere else in India. The embroidery on both the sides appears identical, and what is more, it remains knot free! However, before the embroidery work actually begins, artists draw the outlines on these handkerchiefs using charcoal.
Close-up of the Artisan
While a number of kingdoms along the hills practised making these rumaals, this craft perhaps traces its origins to the Dogra kingdoms, particularly around the Basohli region. However, a large number of artists moved out of the kingdom following a period of political instability in the late 18th century. At the same time, Maharaja Sansar Chand of Kangra and Raja Raj Singh of Chamba started providing patronage to these artists.
Close-up of the thread spools
Story By: Aditya Worah
Read the full story here.
Initial Sketch for the Illustration
