Source: Textile Review

Namda is a local term used for felted wool floor coverings. It is a traditional floor covering, made out of a coarse variety of wool. Rich hues and exquisite designing are the hallmarks of the handcrafted Namda. Namda comes from the root word 'Namata', which is a Sanskrit word meaning woollen stuff. Namda making is practiced as a craft in several cultures, especially in countries throughout Asia such as Iran in Persia, Afghanistan, and various places in Laddakh, Kutch, Kashmir, and Rajasthan in India.

For centuries, Indian arts and crafts have been distinguished for their great aesthetic and functional value. India boasts the widest variety of crafts globally. The Indian handicrafts industry is highly labor-intensive, cottage-based, and decentralized, spanning rural and urban areas across the country. Numerous craftsmen are engaged in crafts work on a part-time basis. This industry provides employment to a large number of women and individuals from weaker sections of society. The quality and diversity of Indian handicrafts have attracted the attention of exporters. The government has initiated various ventures to promote and preserve traditional crafts.

Namda is a traditional floor covering made from a coarse variety of wool, known for its rich hues and exquisite designs. The craft of namda making is prevalent in various cultures across Asia, including Iran, Afghanistan, Laddakh, Kutch, Kashmir, and Rajasthan in India.

The craft of namda making did not originate in Rajasthan but is known to have come from distant lands such as Iran and Laddakh. Rajasthan, specifically Tonk, has historically been a significant market for namda decoration and work.

The present study aimed to reflect the current scenario of this handicraft industry, specifically focusing on the socio-economic profile of the craftsmen involved in the traditional namda craft. The study placed detailed emphasis on synthesizing the initiatives taken by various developmental agencies for preserving, promoting, and developing the traditional namda craft. This was done to propose several suitable recommendations regarding developmental interventions.

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Originally Published in Textile Review, July-2011

The authors of the article are associated with the Dept. of Clothing and Textiles, Faculty of Family and Community Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.