Kharad Weaving

Kharad, also known as Kharad Dhurries are exquisitely handwoven carpets and rugs. 
Weaving Kharad is an age-old craft practised by the nomadic communities of Kutch that brings alive the colour, tradition and way of life of the community. 

The pastoral communities sheared the hair of their livestock - camels, sheep and goats and spun it into woollen yarns. The artisans then used these woollen yarns to weave Kharad. The craft arose from the nomadic communities need for something sturdy to be used on their long journeys on camels. Traditionally, artisans wove Kharad ( rugs or carpets used for spreading on the floor), Khurjani ( a mat kept on the back of a camel to carry heavy items) and Rasa (thick clothes used to cover grains). 

The designs of these weaves vary from geometric patterns to the everyday life of the communities, their culture, rituals and traditions. The designs aid in narrating the story woven into each work. Hence, the craft is of special importance to the communities as it is interwoven intricately with their ancestry and way of life. The weaving technique is quite complex and it usually involves two artisans who can expertly handle the loom.

The distinctive look of the Kharad weaves caught the eyes of Royal families and received their patronage and flourished for some time. However, it is a dying art now with local linkages and communities no longer engaging with the craft. The few that still practises the craft had to reinvent it to ensure its sustenance. One of the major steps they had taken up in this direction was to use dyed woollen yarns. Traditionally, Khrad weaves are usually black, brown, white or rich ochre but now artisans dye their wool with vegetable dye to give the finished products a vibrancy to create more appeal. 

Kharad weaves also receives tough competition from the market because of cheaper plastic alternatives. But it is to be noted that Kharad weaves are truly one of a kind art pieces with high durability. It can easily last up to a hundred years, making it a true heirloom item. Recently it has also gained a lot of appeal in the international market and is used extensively as luxury decor pieces.