People of Himachal Pradesh have developed through the years, a swimming tradition of handicrafts. People of this state are contained, simple and hardworking. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its typic folk craft, woodwork, metal lines, carpets, woolen fabric and pigskin stitching. The people of Himachal Pradesh push on to practice their age - old skills of handicrafts smooth today and come up with some of the best pieces of art and craft that have worldwide extolment.
Among the Handicraft in Himachal Pradesh, needlework is an important angle practiced by the womenfolk.
The embroidery art form of the Chamba known as Chamba rumal originated and flourished in the erstwhile princely hill states of Chamba, Kangra, Basholi and nearby states which are not a part of Himachal Pradesh. Though practised throughout this region, the craft came to be associated specifically with Chamba owing to the patronage given by the rulers of the area as well as to the quality of its craftsmanship. The artistic style of the Pahari miniature paintings which was influenced by Mughal Miniatures, was reflected in the rumals which flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The embroidery on the rumal is the image of a miniature painting on fabric. Dr. Stella Kramrish observed that Chamba rumals are like paintings translated into embroidery.
The big hankerchiefs called rumal of Chamba are famous and has always been a symbol of affection and good omen. They are presented at festivals and weddings. They are also used for wrapping ceremonious gifts exchanged between the bride and bridegroom ' s parties during marriages.
The designs of embroidery are mainly based on the Kangra and Chamba Schools of Paintings and can be dived into two major parts, namely, Rumal or Kashida Embroidery and Leather Embroidery. These designs depict the narratives of the Krishna legends and other themes and manifests the skilled use of double satin stitch on the body and the stem stitch on the outlines in the polycoloured silk thread.
This gives a unique mirror image patterns on both the sides. The rumals are not only noted for their rich aesthetic effect but also for significance of the subject matter.
The red and orange richly embroidered silk scarves of Chamba are simply beautiful. They often depict scenes from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Raaslila of Radha and Krishna. The embroidery is done in silk yarn on tussar ( silk ) or fine cotton. The ground is usually white or cream, but the embroidery threads ( usually red and orange ) are in striking contrast.
Exquisite examples of needle painting, the rumals ( large handkerchiefs ) of Chamba have long been famous for their unusual beauty, and as symbols and omens of goodwill. Weddings in the hills and valleys around Chamba are still not complete without an exchange of Chamba rumals.
Chamba rumal are also used as wall - hangings, Door and fire screens, cushion covers while the designs have been adopted for table - cloth and bed - spreads.
