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Nokshi Katha (or Nakshi Kantha) is a traditional embroidered quilt originating from the Bengal region, particularly in Bangladesh and the eastern states of India like West Bengal. The word “Nokshi” comes from the Bengali term for artistic patterns, and “Katha” means quilt. Nokshi Kantha is deeply rooted in the rural cultures of Bengal and holds significant cultural, artistic, and historical importance.
Key Features of Nokshi Katha:
- Material:
- Traditionally, Nokshi Katha is made by layering old sarees or cloths together to create a quilt. These layers are then hand-stitched using a simple running stitch (known as “kantha stitch”) to hold them together.
- In modern times, new fabrics such as cotton and silk are often used to create more refined versions, though the stitching technique remains the same.
- Embroidery and Designs:
- Running Stitch: The hallmark of a Nokshi Katha is the use of small, straight, or wavy running stitches that form the base of the quilt.
- Patterns: Designs on a Nokshi Katha are highly symbolic and often depict scenes from rural life, nature (like trees, flowers, birds, and animals), mythological stories, and geometric patterns. The intricate designs reflect the creativity of the women artisans who create them.
- Colors: The embroidery is typically done using colorful threads—red, blue, green, yellow—on a white or neutral base. However, the choice of colors varies depending on the region and the preferences of the artist.
- Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Rural Tradition: Historically, Nokshi Katha was a way for rural women to pass down stories, folk tales, and personal experiences. Women would embroider quilts in their leisure time, often turning old, worn-out clothing into beautiful, functional works of art.
- Folklore: The quilt has been immortalized in Bengali literature, especially in the famous poem Nakshi Kanthar Math (“The Field of the Embroidered Quilt”) by Jasimuddin, which tells the tragic love story of a rural couple and the symbolism of the Nokshi Katha.
- Gift Tradition: Nokshi Katha is often gifted to newborns, used in weddings, and passed down through generations, making it not just an item of comfort but also one of emotional and familial value.
- Types of Nokshi Kantha:
- Lep Kantha: A thick quilt used for warmth.
- Sujni Kantha: A decorative quilt often used as a coverlet or for ceremonial purposes.
- Baiton Kantha: A rectangular piece used for covering books or valuables.
- Oaar Kantha: A large quilt, often used as a bedspread.
- Archilata Kantha: Used for ceremonial or religious purposes.
- Modern Uses:
- While traditionally Nokshi Katha was a practical item used for bedding, today it has gained recognition as a form of textile art. Nokshi Katha motifs are now found on a variety of items, including cushion covers, wall hangings, scarves, and even fashion apparel.
- Artisans in Bangladesh and West Bengal have modernized Nokshi Katha, creating new designs while still preserving the traditional hand-stitched techniques, making it popular both locally and internationally.
