The name of Dhakai Muslin is famous throughout the world and with good reason! You must have heard the name of this exceptional fabric that has contributed to the creation of some of the finest sarees ever seen over the ages. What makes it so unique? What are its unique attributes? We’ll dive deeper into the fascinating story behind Dhakai muslin below.
History & Origins of Dhakai Muslin
Nothing beats the beauty and elegance of an original Dhakai Muslin Saree. It’s considered as the Crown Jewel of Bengal due to its fineness and historical legacy along with its intricate patterns of weaving. It has been the fabric of choice for royal families and aristocrats since time immemorial, both locally and globally. The associations of the material with the rich textile heritage of Bengal have also contributed to its enduring symbolism of craftsmanship and premium luxury above everything else. Let us look at a few aspects worth knowing about this prized saree fabric.
- Muslin that was produced in Dacca (now Dhaka), was always regarded as the finest material ever for producing sarees.
- The trick lay in using the cotton plant that was unique to the zone and the immaculate processing of the same.
- The plant grew the best in a fertile tract of land as observed by the British Commercial Resident of Dacca, James Taylor, in 1800, about twelve miles south-east of Dacca. It grew along the banks of the Meghna River.
- There were several attempts made to grow it outside of the natural habitat and they were not successful.
- The fibres were amazingly fine and short-stapled, while being strong and silky at the same. When they were soaked in the waters surrounding Dacca, they became stronger and more robust.
- Spinning took place on the vertical Charka or Takwa in humid environments and once again by young women who worked with water bowls. They also did this on boats that were anchored by the riverbanks.
- While historical accounts are rare and few in number, there are accounts of the count above 250 being the starting point for the cloth to obtain the muslin classification. This was the weight of a thousand metres of yarn weighed in grams. Hence, if the weight of one skein of yarn was two grams, it was listed as 500 in count.
- There are legends of how a single village near Mymensingh, about 120 kilometres northwards from Dhaka, managed to reach the awe-inspiring count of 1200 for its muslin.
- The finished product was majorly plain, with red or gold edges and stunning weaving or embroidery with special motifs.
- In fact, the Bangladesh Government revived the original Dhakai Muslin in 2022, while it has obtained a GI tag for its quality as well.
Here are some historical traces of how the Dhakai muslin fabric actually evolved over different periods.
Muslin is reportedly one of the world’s first luxury brands from 500 BC. Dhakai muslin has found mention in several Roman and Greek accounts.
Read More: What Makes Muslin Sarees a Timeless Luxury?
In the Middle Ages, it was already a coveted fabric worldwide. The global elite exchanged the fabric in several countries and along with Bengal, it was used by the Greeks, Arabs and Romans. There was a massive marketplace for it in Mosul, Iraq, apart from Dhaka. The fabric was said to be 26 times costlier than silk.
In the Mughal Era, there was a surge in popularity of Dhakai muslin sarees. This fabric steadily became the crown jewel of global fashion, worn by princesses, queens, and aristocratic women. Bengal province was the wealthiest one in the Mughal times and a major share of its income came from DACCA Muslin.
What Makes Dhakai Muslin Special?
Now that you’ve got an idea of the history and royal origins of Dacca Muslin, let’s look at some traits that make it special.
- Immaculate weaving and fineness- Dhakai muslin is famous for its incredibly fine and intricate weave, often called woven air. It was made historically with rare cotton grown along the Meghna River. There is a 16-step procedure that involves hand-spinning the yarn under moonlight to ensure uniformity and combat breakage. The fabric is reportedly so fine that it can easily pass through a ring or even fit into a matchbox.
- Global recognition and historical legacy- It was a prized textile in the Mughal period, worn by Emperors, empresses, and aristocratic families or nobles. Dacca Muslin was also exported from Bengal, reaching several parts of Asia and Europe. The reputation for luxury and quality of the fabric made it a globally recognized brand.
- Bengal’s Textile Prowess- Production of muslin was majorly concentrated in Dhaka, making it an inextricable part of the economy and identity of Bengal. The unique attributes showcase the artistry and skill of weavers from Bengal.
You should know that this fabric is beautifully handmade and the thread is immensely delicate, with the thread count ranging between 300 and 500. Pre-weaving also has 9-11 steps that require intense skill while the toughest job is the muslin weaving itself. Identifying the fabric requires touching it closely to understand how delicate it is.
Acquire Dhakai Muslin for Your Wardrobe
Dhakai muslin is synonymous with unmatched artistry and quality. At the same time, it has royal and luxury associations unlike any other global rival. Hence, you should acquire one for your wardrobe to add a touch of class and Bengal craftsmanship to your collection. Find reasonable pure muslin jamdani saree prices or Dhakai muslin prices online without any hassles. Embrace the chance to be a part of the historic resurgence and revival of this globally acclaimed fabric.
It is a testament to the skill, artistry, and skills of Bengal weavers and craftsmen. Stepping out in a pure and original Dhakai muslin saree will undoubtedly make you sparkle at any special occasion without a doubt. Because when you acquire this saree, you not only experience unmatched comfort and textures; you also carry a piece of history along with you.