DHURRIE
WEAVING
A TRADITION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP IN SOUTH ASIA
By. Group 3
INTRODUCTION TO
DHURRIE WEAVING
What is a Dhurrie?
A handwoven rug or thin flat carpet
Used traditionally in South Asia for floor
coverings, bedding, and packaging
Distinct from Carpets
Dhurries are flat-woven and reversible, while
carpets have a pile
Commonly made from cotton, wool, jute, or silk
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Origin and History
Dates back centuries in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and
Burma
Early evidence of rug-like floor coverings: 200–400 BCE in
Western China
Mentioned in Indian texts like the Arthashastra and depicted in
Mughal miniatures
Cultural Significance
Often given as part of dowry in marriage
Used in palaces, homes, and places of worship
References from ancient texts like Arthashastra (200-300 CE),
al-Maqdisi’s travelogue, and Mughal miniatures.
Used historically for secular, religious purposes, and in palaces.
TYPES OF
DHURRIES
Navalgund Jamkhana
(Karnataka)
Panja Dhurrie (Rajasthan)
Punja Dhurrie (Haryana)
Citapore Dhurrie (Uttar
Pradesh)
Warangal Dhurrie
(Telangana)
REGIONAL VARIATIONS OF DHURRIES
Rajasthan: Panja dhurries with colorful
designs inspired by phulkari embroidery
Haryana: Bold stripes and geometric
patterns
Karnataka: Navalgund Jamkhanas with
peacock and dice game motifs
Uttar Pradesh: Citapore dhurries with
intricate tapestry-like designs
DHURRIE WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
Looms Used
Horizontal pit looms (Rajasthan, Haryana)
Vertical looms (Navalgund, Karnataka)
Panja tool: A claw-like tool used to tighten
threads in weaving
Weaving Process
Preparation of the warp and weft
Hand-weaving using pirn rods and shuttle
Use of natural dyes and traditional color
combinations (red, yellow, green)
MATERIALS USED IN
DHURRIE WEAVING
Cotton: Soft, lightweight, and breathable
Wool: Warm, durable, and often used in
colder regions
Jute: Adds sturdiness and texture
Silk: Adds a luxurious feel to the dhurries
DESIGN PATTERNS
AND MOTIFS
Geometric Designs
Stripes, checkerboard, zigzag patterns
Naturalistic Motifs
Flora and fauna, peacocks, trees, and birds
Color Schemes
Traditional vibrant colors: Red, yellow,
green, and black
Modern variations: Blues, pastels, and
monochromes
EVOLUTION OF DHURRIE
WEAVING INDUSTRY
Craftsmanship Passed Down
Generations
Weaving knowledge passed through
families
From village production to export
markets
Impact of British Rule
Dhurries featured at the Great
Exhibition (1851)
Expansion of jail-based dhurrie
production in India
Contemporary Dhurrie Weaving
Revitalization due to demand for
eco-friendly and handwoven products
CURRENT
CHALLENGES AND
REVIVAL
DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL WEAVING
SHIFT TO URBAN JOBS AND MACHINE-MADE
PRODUCTS
LOW RETURNS FOR LABOR-INTENSIVE HAND-
WEAVING
EFFORTS TO PRESERVE THE CRAFT
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAGS (E.G.,
NAVALGUND, WARANGAL DHURRIES)
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND ARTISANAL
COOPERATIVES
EXPORT MARKETS LIKE IKEA SOURCING FROM
INDIA
DHURRIES IN MODERN
INTERIORS
Versatility in Usage
Used as floor coverings,
wall hangings, meditation
mats, table covers
Lightweight and easy to
fold for portability
Year-round Usability
Cool in summer and warm in
winter (cotton vs wool
dhurries)
Eco-friendly Appeal
Handwoven with natural
materials, low maintenance
CONCLUSION
DHURRIES ARE A TESTAMENT TO SOUTH ASIA'S
RICH CRAFT HERITAGE
THEY COMBINE FUNCTIONALITY, DURABILITY, AND
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
SUPPORT TRADITIONAL WEAVERS AND PRESERVE
THIS TIMELESS CRAFT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
DESPITE CHALLENGES, IT CONTINUES TO THRIVE
DUE TO ITS VERSATILITY AND AESTHETIC
APPEAL.
THANK
YOU! BY GROUP 3:
K.AMRUTHA LAASYA
P.HARSHITHA
S.KAAVYA ISHWARYA
