Patola

Patola:

The word patola is the plural form; the singular is patolu. They are very expensive, once worn only by those belonging to royal and aristocratic families. These saris are popular among those who can afford the high prices. It can take six months to make one sari due to the long process of dying each strand separately before weaving them together. The technique which is known today as Ikat had its origins in different parts of the world such as South East Asia, Central Asia, South America and West Africa. Ikat is one of the most ancient techniques of dyeing fabrics. The term “Ikat” itself is a derivation from the Malay word "mengikat" which means to tie or to bind. Orissa Ikat dates back to the 12th century when artisans from the Patan region of modern-day Gujarat migrated to Orissa and carried forward the craft.

Patan Patola is the most prominent product of double ikat from Gujarat. As it was in the 11th century, Patan was the capital of medieval Gujarat. Which is the center of silk Patola saree production. About 70 years ago, Rashtriya Shala, a Gandhian institute in Rajkot organized a training camp and started a special Patola unit to train weavers. Experts in Patan Patola provided intensive training.

Rajkot Patola:

The last few decades have seen Rajkot and its neighboring villages produce sarees similar in design to Patan Patola but in single ikat. Using the technique of either warp or weft, unlike double ikat which employs the use of both. These are locally known as Rajkot Patola.

The migrant Vankar and the historical Maheshwari communities, now the native weavers of Rajkot and Surendranagar have mastered the technique of weaving musical compositions in cloth. Popat (parrot), Narikunj, Phulwadi, Chowkdi (cross), Chaabdi (Basket), Choktha, Navratna, Paanchphul, Sarvaiya, Laheriya are some of the patterns of Patola.

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