Everybody knows about rugs and carpets, which are excellent for home decor and more. But few people know much about dhurries. The art of dhurrie making originated in the Indian subcontinent. The people of India and some of the other neighboring countries started weaving dhurries long before the Mughals brought the art of rug and carpet making with them to the sub-continent. The Indian people of the olden days valued dhurrie rugs greatly, and the artisans skilfully wove unique patterns to give them their personal touch.
Each dhurrie bore the essence of the culture and history of those people in its various patterns. Dhurrie rugs were often neglected since pile rugs have always been a popular choice in the market because of their luxurious look and soft feel. However, with the changing times, people have become more inclined towards paying closer attention to home decor, and this has made dhurrie rugs popular once again. More and more people are finding out how suitable they are for decorating their homes, whether they are luxury Dhurrie rugs or simple.
History of Dhurrie Rugs
Dhurries originated in the Indian sub-continent but nobody clearly knows when. There is evidence of the use of dhurries throughout history, dating back several hundred years. The Ajanta caves depict the use of Dhurrie rugs in the era of King Mahajanaka as there is a painting in the caves in which the King is seen standing on the rug. Various Mughal paintings also depict dhurries of various styles and patterns. Some special dhurries can also be found in museums where they are displayed to showcase the traditional art of Indian dhurrie making.
The British had seen how popular dhurries were in India and had mass-produced them, bringing about an evolution in the art of dhurries. However, they were never able to reproduce the distinctive features that artisans brought forth using the traditional method of weaving. Dhurries were so popular once that making them was a reformative method used for prisoners during the Mughal and British rule. Before prisoners started making them, dhurries were traditionally made by women of the household. Many women are to this day employed in the profession of dhurrie making.
How are Dhurries Made?
To create dhurrie rugs, artisans use the method of flat-weaving, turning fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk into beautiful rugs that are quite different from pile rugs and carpets. Since dhurries are flat-weave rugs, the interweaving technique is used to make them and no fibers protrude from the base, unlike with pile rugs or carpets. The most common methods of dhurrie making in India are “Punja” and “pit loom with fly shuttle”. Techniques like double-interlocking and dovetailing are also employed to create them.
Generally, dhurrie rugs have natural colors and flowing patterns like stripes. Many rugs also have geometrical patterns. Modern dhurrie rugs, however, sport bright colors and bold patterns as well, making them look luxurious. The rugs are not just beautiful, but highly durable too. So, if you are looking for beautiful rugs that are durable and suitable all year round for your house, a great option would be to buy cotton dhurries. These dhurries stay warm in winter and cool in summer because of the fabric and the technique with which they are made.
Use of Dhurries
As is the case with most carpets, dhurries are used as floor coverings, but that is not the only thing for which they are used. Dhurries have long been used as floor mats, mats for meditation and yoga, bed coverings, and wall hangings. In the past, they were also given in a bride’s dowry to remind her of the home she left behind. That tradition still continues in some parts of India.
Apart from using them as floor coverings, nowadays people use dhurrie rugs mostly as wall hangings. They also serve as prayer and meditation mats. You can easily buy online dhurrie rugs that are suitable for your interior decor and use them as floor coverings, wall hangings, and more.
Features of a Dhurrie Rug
There are many features of Dhurrie rugs that not only distinguish them from other rugs and carpets but also emphasize why they are a great choice for your home. The following are some of those features:
1. Reversibility
Due to the method of flat-weaving used to create dhurries, both sides of the rug are patterned. So you can easily reverse the rug to reveal the other side. This way, you can keep the dhurrie looking fresh even when you don’t get the time to clean it. This feature makes dhurrie rugs widely desirable.
2. Durability
Because of how tightly the threads are woven together to make a dhurrie, it becomes extremely sturdy and durable. The durability makes these rugs perfect to be kept as heirlooms that can be passed down several generations, and they will not easily be affected by the passing time and will show little wear and tear.
3. Low maintenance
Dhurrie rugs are far easier to clean and maintain than pile rugs and carpets, as they don’t trap dirt in their fibers like the latter. You can use a handheld vacuum or even a broom to clean dhurries. A brush is also a great option for cleaning them. If you see that the rug does not need any of these tools as there is barely any dirt, you can simply lift it and wring it out, which is not something you can do with other rugs and carpets due to their heavy weight and their nature of trapping dirt deep in their protruding fibers. Dhurries don’t require professional cleaning often, so you won’t have to spend too much of your money on maintaining them.
4. Instant Improvement of Ambience
Since most of the dhurrie rugs have simple patterns like stripes and geometrical shapes on them, it is easier to get them to fit in with the aesthetic of your home's interior. They are also lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take them to whichever room you wish to decorate without much effort. Once you have laid them out on the floor or used them in whatever manner you see fit, you will find that your room's look will instantly improve, without the need to put much effort into anything else.
Conclusion
Dhurrie rugs have a long history and form part of India's culture and traditions. They can even be considered far more representative of India and the essence of its people than anything else. Dhurries are not just a symbol of comfort, they are a symbol of love that brides received and still receive in their dowry, and that the women of every household wove to bear that personal touch. Dhurrie rugs are a product of history and the ever-evolving skills of the artisans who work hard to create them. These rugs have come a long way, from being traditionally Indian to indie, with modern styles influencing their art. So, if you are looking to buy dhurries for your home and find dhurrie rugs on sale, don’t miss out on the opportunity to buy several of them because you will definitely find many great options to adorn your home.
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