Our travels will take us to Delhi and Agra. The wife has asked that we find home-spun cloth. Patterson New Jersey used to be known for the silk cloth works in the USA. I said humm I bet India has something similar. Sure enough, there is an industry that has just what the doctor ordered. One of the books said the state of Orissa is the place to go. We have to go through Orissa so if time permits a side trip may be in order. From the book
DK Eyewitness Travel
India
(2002 with revs in 2005, 2008)
ISBN 978-0-78948-395-9
Cuttack is Orissa's most populous city, and was the capital from the 10th century onwards until 1956, when the capital was moved to Bhubaneswar. There is little evidence today of the city's historic past. The gateway and moat of the 13th century Barabati Fort in northwest Cuttack, are all that remain of this great citadel which once had a nine-storeyed palace. The eastern part of town is more interesting, with silversmiths' shops in Balu Bazaar and Nayasarak, where Cuttack's famous silver filigree jewellery is made. Nearby, in the shops on Jail Road, the full range of Orissa's beautiful handicrafts are available, including ikat silk, carved hornware and paintings.
In this area, a cluster of green domes marks the 18th century Kadam Rasul Mosque, where the Prophet Mohammed's footprints are carved on a round stone.
So what the heck is Ikat http://www.india9.com/i9show/Ikat-Silk-Sarees-51566.htm
Orissa is famous for its unique Ikat Silk sarees. Ikat is a process of creating patterns on the yarn used for weaving, by tying and dyeing it. The silk used in the weaving is locally produced. These sarees have an extraordinary metallic finish. The borders feature heavy embroidery, while the ‘pallu’ (falling edge of the saree) contains geometric patterns created with ikat dyeing. The centuries old weaving process for the Ikat Silk sarees is complicated. The tools are of primitive nature. The outlines of the designs are traced on a paper for the weaver’s reference. Based on these outlines, the yarn threads are laid down in the required length. Knots are made on specific points of the threads, to form dye resists, according to the patterns. The threads are dyed, along with the knots, in single or multiple colors. The knotted sections of the threads are not affected by the dye. This gives rise to the required color combination on the yarn. Following the removal of knots, the yarn is attached to the spools of the loom and the cloth is woven. The multicolored yarn gives rise to beautiful patterns on the cloth.
Saree is a traditional dress worn by women in India. The term 'saree' is a corrupt form of the Sanskrit word 'chira,' which means a 'wearable length of cloth.' The saree is an unstitched length of fabric, five to six meters long, draped around the body. Saree is worn along with a blouse. The draping of the saree is an art and the style of wearing differs from region to region. The saree is believed to impart a look of elegance and refinement.
Be Smart – Understanding the Culture
Finally I have been reading a book on how to be a good visitor to India. Although the book is small it is packed with good information. I highly recommend this book if you want to gain some insight to why our culture in the USA is so foreign to Indians. We are quite culturally different and if we do not understand the differences we will come off as quite arrogant and rude. It is my hope to not be insensitive while I am there. A very good read.
Culture Smart
India
by Nicki Grihault
(2003)
www.culturesmartguides.com
ISBN 978-1-85733-305-3
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