The term shawl is derived from Persian word shal, which means a clothing worn around a person. It is mainly worn to give a warm feeling, to complement a costume and for symbolic reasons.
It is a rectangular or oblong piece of cloth or garment that is worn to cover the head, neck or shoulders. It is also worn for offering prayers in many religions.
Shawls were popular among Indians in variety of forms since ancient times. Kashmir valley of India is known for weaving shawl. The intricate embroidery and hand woven shawls from Kashmir are popular throughout Europe, Persia and other western countries.
Tie and Die Shawls
Tie and die shawls in wool with beautiful embroidery and mirror work from craftsman of Rajasthan are famous world over. Tie and die is one of the most traditional method of printing shawls. These methodsÂ involves dyeing only selected parts of cloth which yield multicolored designs and shades in a shawl.
Bandhej is also popular technique in which muslin, handloom or silk cloth as well as cotton is used for making bandhej shawl.Â Starch, colours and ordinary threads are the raw material required for this type off shawls.
Earlier, vegetable dyes were used but now chemical dyes are becoming popular.
Wooden blocks are used for making attractive designs.