Shatranji
Geographical indication
Shataranji, a traditional handicrafts of the Rangpur region and GI product of Bangladesh
DescriptionA traditional handicraft of Rangpur region of Bangladesh
CountryBangladesh
MaterialFabric

Shataranji(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 often used to produce carpets that are both fashionable or artistic, as well as being practical, when used as a blanket. Due to the expense involved in its production, Shotoronji was considered a symbol of aristrocracy.

History

According to local tradition, Shataranji can be dated to the Mughal period.[2] The techniques are so unique that they are being passed over by generations after generation of the same weaver families. They, however, can not make any 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 so impressed by the product that he took government actions to promote this handicraft. In his honor, that part of the city was named Nishbetgunj.[4][5] During British rule, this product became popular 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

The process is completely traditional and no modern technology is used. The main raw material for weaving is cotton yarn, jute yarn, wool and some other types of fibers. Ropes made out of fibers are woven in some geometrical measurements by hand. During this process ropes of different colours 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 more intricate, weavers will need more time.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 ""Rangpur Shataranji" – A Geographical Indication of Bangladesh". www.wipo.int. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  2. 1 2 "Shatranji earns GI recognition". The Daily Star. 18 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "Shatranji recognised as GI product of Bangladesh". Bangla News24. 2021-06-17.
  4. ↑ বাংলাদেশ লোকজ সংস্কৃতি গ্রন্থমালা, রংপুর। বাংলা একাডেমী। Page 122,123। ISBN 984-07-5118-2।
  5. ↑ "Shataranji of Rangpur is going to Europe". Teller Business.
  6. ↑ "Shataranji". Banglapedia.
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