Book Released On The Divine Fabric Of Odisha

Book Released On The Divine Fabric Of Odisha

Odisha’s rich history of handlooms and weaves is famous all over the world. From Sambalpuri Patta to Maniabandha Ikat, the weaves of Odisha are steeped in sheer craftsmanship and rich tradition. Tassar has been a part of Odisha’s handloom for centuries and ‘Divine Fabric’ is a book dedicated to this rich tradition. It was released on Tuesday at Lok Seva Bhawan. Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, minister Padmini Dian released the book in presence of senior officials of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.

The book is written by Raja Parija, Director (S.C) ST & SC Development Department. The book contains a comprehensive detail about tassar and its history in Odisha.

During his tenure as the Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, he dealt with the sericulture sector in the state. “After seeing the entire life cycle of tassar cocoon produced and the process of weaving tassar fabrics out of raw cocoons by the traditional weavers, I developed an interest to document the glorious tassar tradition of Odisha,” he said.

The most interesting fact about tassar is traditionally called ‘Mathaa’. In Odia culture it is also called ‘Amlan Vastra’ which means that it never fades, he informed.

The book is the result of five years of research, photography and writing. “This is perhaps the first comprehensive book on Odisha’s tassar which gives an insight into its historical background. Tassar tradition, from soil to fabric and its foray into the contemporary fashion world will definitely benefit the textile scholars, fashion designers, students, craftsmen, tourists, and general readers,” shared Parija.

Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj are the major tassar producer in Odisha. This apart Sundergarh, Deogarh, Dhenkanal are some other areas where tassar is produced.

“Tribal people of Mayurbhanj region were the first to use tassar. At that time they used to collect tassar from forest areas and never cultivated them. However, the economic plantation of tassar started after 1962. The King of Mayurbhanj motivated tribal people to get involved in tassar business. He provided them land and forest patches for this. Soon Mayurbhanj tassar became popular in European countries” he added.

“In the book, I have also covered the handloom tradition of Odisha. Odisha is the third-largest producer of tassar cocoons in the country and is in demand only because Odisha’s weavers have been producing better fabrics, sarees and raw material,” said Parija.

Stating that tassar is now trending in the fashion world, he said, “Earlier tassar was used only during festivals, which is why it has been called as divine fabric. Tassar fabric has never been used to dress Lord Jagannath, but people wear it while worshipping the Lord.”