What is a Durrie!
An Indian term for handwoven rugs or carpets, durries are traditional floor coverings that are used for their exquisite and elaborate patterns. Remarkably versatile in nature, they can be used for a variety of purposes including bedding, packaging, and floor coverings. Being woven, they are reversible in nature, increasing their functionality. Economical in nature, these handcrafted masterpieces are widely used not just as floor coverings, but also as wall hangings.
Exquisite and Intricate
The history of the Agra durrie can be traced back to the ancient times, when the natives of Shauripur, located at a distance of 72 kms from Agra, adorned the floors of their village with these exquisite pieces to welcome Lord Krishna back to his ancestral village. Later in the sixteenth century, when the Mughal ruler Akbar came to India, he revived the traditional art of carpet weaving. It is said that Akbar invited his Persian carpet weavers, who collaborated with the local artisans to create intricate designs in vibrant and bold hues. Today these durries are handwoven by skilled artisans using natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques. The artisans use the Persian or asymmetrical knot to weave a flat pileless rug with a range of 60-2000 knots per square inch. The durries are usually made of either cotton, jute, wool or silk. An array of colours ranging from a soft palette like yellow, saffron, beige, or light green to bold colours like blues, deep reds, burgundy, black and browns are used to create geometrical patterns, floral motifs, and other symbols. The Agra durries are not just simple floor coverings, they are in truth a reflection of the city’s rich and vibrant culture.
