JAMAKKALAM FABRIC – A CRITICAL REVIEW

Textile Technology

JAMAKKALAM is more than just a textile product. It is a tradition that is two centuries old, and has been reflecting the rich craftsmanship involved. In Tamil culture, Jamakkalams are used in weddings, mosque prayers, and many auspicious occasions. But slowly yet steadily, it’s relevance to the changing world is declining, leaving it in a dwindling state. It is high time we act on its revival, and that starts with understanding its roots, the art and the artisan involved in the making of the dream carpet called Jamakkalam. Bhavani Jamakkalam refers to blankets and carpets manufactured in Bhavani in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. It has been recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India in 2005-06. In the late nineteenth century, competition from British made textiles led Indian weavers to invent new types of garments. In Bhavani, a community of weavers called Jangamars weaved a type of blanket using colored coarse threads called Jamakkalam. The popularity of the product led to the production of jamakkalams by other weavers replacing the production of traditional sarees and other cloths.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.