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The legendary fabric that no one knows how to make Dhaka Muslin, a fabric that was so fine that it could pass through a ring, was once one of the most valuable fabrics in the world. However, this fabric went extinct almost two centuries ago. After six years of effort, researchers in Bangladesh succeeded in bringing the forgotten and enigmatic Dhaka Muslin fabric back to life. Some readers may ask what Dhaka Muslin is and why it went extinct. Dhaka Muslin is a cotton fabric made using the plain weave technique, where a single weft thread alternates over and under a single warp thread. This fabric was lost due to the systematic destruction of the Indian textile industry by the British in the late 18th century. Historical accounts say that the British rulers did not hesitate to cut the thumbs of the Dhaka Muslin weavers to stop the production of this fabric. The extent of the brutality was also described by William Bolts, an employee of the East India Company, in his book, “Considerations on India Affairs”, in 1772. These weavers lived in and around Dhaka City where I live now. This article is a continuation of my blog titled “The Lost Fabric,” which was uploaded on this site’s blog page on 11/13/2016. If readers want to know more about this legendary fabric and how it has been resurrected, they may search for the following article on the internet: “The ancient fabric that no one knows how to make - BBC Future.” https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210316-the-legendary-fabric-that-no-one-knows-how-to-make Meanwhile, readers may view the pictures of the resurrected and lost Dhaka Muslin fabrics below. Photo Credits: Drik/Bengal Muslin Photo # 6: Phuti Karpas cotton |
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Dhaka muslin was a favourite of Joséphine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon, who owned several dresses inspired by the classical era. See Picture # 7 above.
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Delicate and beautiful fabric!
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Thanks for your comments on the blog page of mine. Dhaka Muslin fabric is made from the Phuti Karpas cotton Yarn (Gossypium arboreum var. neglecta, locally known as "Phuti karpas"). It was the variant used to make Dhaka Muslin in Bengal Province of undivided India, now Bangladesh. This particular variant used to grow in the south of Dhaka, along the banks of the mighty Meghna River. Please read the article referred to in the text of the blog. You will be surprised to learn that this particular cotton plant got lost after production of Dhaka Muslin was stopped brutally. JW, I know that the USA is a cotton-growing country. It still is one of the countries where cotton is grown. Here in Bangladesh, we do not grow cotton like you do. We import it from Egypt and Pakistan. Hope, by now you know why and what caused the closing down of Dhaka Muslin fabric production 200 years ago in Bangladesh. Take care. be safe.
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Delicate and beautiful fabric!
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Very interesting read , and lovely pictures also. That fabric looks really beautiful. Take care looklook and stay safe. .
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How interesting, Looklook!! I'm so glad this beautiful fabric is being produced again.
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This is not only just a material, it a fabric of the culture of your area. I searched for more pictures of it, and see that it is very sheer. I hope a resurrection of it's production will make it more available today, but it will most likely be machine made instead of a craft. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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Very interesting read , and lovely pictures also. That fabric looks really beautiful. Take care looklook and stay safe. .
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How interesting, Looklook!! I'm so glad this beautiful fabric is being produced again.
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Lovely cloth. Its history is so sad.
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JW, the revival project is now backed by our government also. Our cotton board is actively helping the people involved in the project. There will be a time when the weavers in and around Dhaka and Tangail will produce the fabric and sale it at a profit. I am sure of it. As Dhaka Muslin is a product made from a special type of cotton, Mohair can not be used in place of cotton to produce Dhaka Muslin. I have posted a photo of Phuti Karpas cotton (#6) at above for readers to see how it looks like. Mohair Goat business may be extinct now but some day another JW will be there to revive the business. Be safe, dear friend.
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This is not only just a material, it a fabric of the culture of your area. I searched for more pictures of it, and see that it is very sheer. I hope a resurrection of it's production will make it more available today, but it will most likely be machine made instead of a craft. Be safe. Keep well.
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Lovely cloth. Its history is so sad.
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SUCH A DELICATE FABRIC MUST BE VERY DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A PERSON TO PRODUCE IT? THE BRITS HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR.
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SUCH A DELICATE FABRIC MUST BE VERY DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A PERSON TO PRODUCE IT? THE BRITS HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. Handloom weaving is traditionally a family activity performed in a rural household set-up and is spread across several weaving villages in Bangladesh, Nepal and India. Though weaving is a male-concentrated occupation, women weavers are now available to do the job along with the male members of the family. However preparatory works are done by the female members of the family. Weaving is a family activity that engages the entire family in the process of making fabric. Every member of the family receives on-the-job training. Hope, you are doing fine. You may come across dresses made by Dhaka Muslin if you visit a French museum where textile products are on display. Take care. Be safe, my friend.
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intriguing
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intriguing
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