Chamba Rumal

Chamba was a kingdom at the foothills of the Himalayas. Nowadays it is a part of the modern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Rumal, or cover in Hindi, is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted by Chamba rulers. Used primarily as covers for gifts and being part of dowry, it is also common to find them as backdrop hangings of house temples.

Embroidered on fine muslin, using imported floss silk in double satin stitch, Chamba Rumals are mostly figurative, featuring scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata with a Krishna and consorts a favourite subject. The double satin stitching produces identical image on both sides. Outlines and further details on faces and garments are done in double running stitch.

Chamba Rumals were popular in the 18th-19th centuries and were produced by women of all social classes including women of the royal court. Following independence this art form lost its royal patronage and its quality declined. Starting in the 1970’s efforts have been made to revive production and improve quality.

This charming Rumal dates to early 20th century. It features a round centre with a blue Krishna and consorts against a plain white ground and frames by wide floral borders.