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West Bengal

Grass to Glory: Madur Kathi

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Marvellous Mats

Madur Kathi is a craft that finds its signature products in mats and carpets that originate in West Bengal. The craft of Madur Kathi mats has been popular in the region for centuries, as it has been passed down through the generations. 'Madhur' is a mat, and 'Kathi' is the grass used to weave the mats. The signature products of the Madur Kathi craft are floor coverings, prayer mats, wall hangings, and other decorative mats. The Madhur Kathi craft was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018.

An Enduring Legacy

The Madur Kathi craft gained prominence when hand-weaving techniques became popular in the Bengal region. The grass Cyperus Corymbose, a type of reed, is used to weave these mats. According to some historical estimates, the Madur Kathi craft was introduced to the region by the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The craft has evolved as artisans have passed down their techniques to the subsequent generations of craftsmen.

The technique behind crafting these mats is quite intricate and complex. Artisans grow and harvest the grass for the limited purpose of weaving the Madur Kathi mat. After harvesting the grass, it is cleaned and processed by hand until it becomes malleable and soft. Once ready, artisans initiate the weaving process. Then, intricate geometric designs are formed using the warp-and-weft pattern to weave the grass. A marquee feature of this craft is using a vibrant set of colours to add character to the mats. Artisans use natural sources of colour, such as fruits and vegetables, to dye the grass in the desired colours. Using all-natural raw materials makes this craft highly sustainable and supports the region's local economy.


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West Bengal

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Coloured with Nature

Due to the use of different colours, many variants can be produced by combining various colourful grasses. Artisans further beautify these Madur Kathi mats by embedding spectacular motifs on them. The motifs found on these products are typically inspired by animals, birds, leaves, flowers, abstracts, and geometric patterns. In some cases, artisans may even install decorative elements such as tassels, shells, and beads to embellish the mats and add an additional layer of aesthetic appeal to them. The vibrancy of the colours, the patterns, and the accessories, makes Madur Kathi mats stunning indeed!

Woven by Women

Madur Kathi mats are not treated as regular floor mats because they have a greater significance in the regional context. These craftworks are used by locals in cultural events, traditional festivities, and even religious ceremonies. Due to the high demand for contemporary designs, Madur Kathi mats are a hit in the local and international markets. Madur Kathi mats are primarily woven by women, and the entire process requires considerable patience, creativity, knowledge, and skill. Whether one wants to add an aesthetic floor mat to the living space or is in the market for a wall hanging or a prayer mat, one can find it all in West Bengal. On the next trip to West Bengal, pick up a few pieces of the exclusive Madur Kathi mats for your abode!