Shataranji

Shatranji
Geographical indication
Shataranji, a traditional handicrafts of the Rangpur region and GI product of Bangladesh
Description	A traditional handicraft of Rangpur region of Bangladesh
Country	Bangladesh
Material	Fabric

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Shataranji (Bengali: শতরঞ্জি) is a weaving technique of the Rangpur region of Bangladesh. It has been declared a Geographical Indication Product of Bangladesh in 2021.^[1][2][3] It is used to produce carpets that are fashionable, artistic, and practical, especially when used as a blanket. Due to the expense involved in its production, Shataranji was considered a symbol of aristocracy.

History

According to local tradition, Shataranji is believed to date back to the Mughal Empire.^[2] The weaving techniques are passed down generation to generation among the same weaver families. They, however, can not make exact claim regarding how old this tradition is. In 1830s, Ms. Nisbet, a British civil servant and the then Collector of Rangpur, visited the village of Peerpur near the city of Rangpur. He incidentally discover the villages of the weavers of Shataranji. He was impressed by the product and took government actions to promote this handicraft. In his honor, that part of the city was named Nisbetganj.^[4][5] During British rule, this product became known all over the Indian subcontinent and found exporting destinations in Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.^[6] After the Partition of India, this product started losing its popularity and it nearly became extinct. It saw a resurgence in the last few decades because of a switch to industrial production, marketing and exporting by Karupanya Limited.

Weaving style

Shataranji is a handloom process and no modern technology is used. The main raw material for weaving is cotton yarn, jute yarn, wool and some other types of fibers.^[1] Ropes made out of fibers are woven in some geometrical measurements by hand. During this process ropes of different colors and different techniques are used for bringing different kind of designs inside it. Designs represents the weaver's own artwork and the local tradition of the north.

The minimum size of a “Rangpur Shataranji” is 30 x 20 inches, and its maximum size is 30 x 20 feet. A 6 x 9-foot carpet requires two workers to work for two full days, while a 1.5 x 3-foot carpet requires one weaver to work for 3 hours, according to Mr. Zakiruzzaman. If the designs are intricate, weavers will need more time.^[1]

References