Madurkathi

Mat-weaving in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Its socio-cultural relevance is evidenced by references in ancient literature, including the Atharva Veda, the Shatapatha Brahmana, and the Mahabharata. Masland mats originated in the Muslim period, when the finest mats were produced in Medinipur with a silk weft, under the patronage of the royal community of that time. Mats were collected as revenue under the jaigirdari system. In 1744, Nawab Alibardi Khan issued a charter to the jaigirdars in this regard. As a result, it was obligatory to supply masland mats for use in the collectorate. Permanent markets for mats were established in Medinipur. Ordinary mats were also produced. Government officials in the British period observed that a large number of masland mats were manufactured in Medinipur. According to a census report of 1872, there were 618 skilled workers engaged in mat-making in the district of Medinipur, where mats were one of the principle articles of trade. 448,300 mats were reportedly manufactured in 1907-1908. Records of the British Raj show that, at the beginning of the 20th century, the price of masland mats was 100 Indian rupees (INR) or more. The finest quality mats at that time were made at Raghunathbari, Kasijora, and Narajol in Medinipur. == Types ==

The weavers, mainly Mahishyas, make three types of mat: • ekh-rokha, or single mat • do-rokha, or double mat • masland Ekh-rokha is a light, thin madur mat. Do-rokha is a heavier and thicker mat, superior to ak rokha in terms of comfort and convenience. The third type, masland, is a textured mat featuring decorative patterning, and is the finest and most expensive of the three. Madurkathi have also been used to make a variety of decorative and functional items, including door curtains, sleeping mats, tiffin-carriers, and handbags. Mats may be made in a variety of patterns. The designs are self-colored, using variation in the natural reed, and can also incorporate dyed reed patterning in black and magenta. == Madurkathi cultivation ==

The raw material used to make madur mats is a sedge of the genus Cyperus: Cyperus pangorei (formerly Cyperus tegetum). Known locally as madurkathi, it grows on marshy land, thriving in southern and eastern India including in the area of Medinipur. The frequent flooding around Medinipur makes many areas unsuitable for crop cultivation. Grass, sedges and reeds provide a viable alternative for the region's farmers. As a result, cultivation of madurkathi grass and the weaving of Madur mats has become an important part of the local household economy. == Mat production ==

Weaving The ekh-rokha madur is the simplest of the three types of mat (ekh-rokha, do-rokha, and masland). It is produced on a simple bamboo-frame loom, using cotton thread as the warp and single reeds as the weft. The du-rokha is more complex, with a double-reed weft, and requires greater skill to produce. Masland mats are the finest products, requiring the greatest accuracy and experience to weave. In West Bengal, the tree is known as rang gach. Before dyeing, mat sticks are tightly bound with palm leaves at the places where natural colour will be retained. The bundles are placed in containers filled with dye powder and cold water, which are then boiled. Boiling time differs according to the colour: 10 hours for black, and 24 hours for the reddish dye. The dyed mat sticks are sun-dried before being used for weaving. == References ==