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A craft of Woolen Stuff - Namda

The Namda fabric is a handmade felted rug mainly used in furniture. Now, the innovated Namda is also used as garments, home décor, bags, shoes, and much more in the list. It is made of undoubtedly wool of Kashmiri sheep and cotton pressed and felted in specific proportion.
History 
The evidence of Namda is go back to the 4th century from sindh, which is at present is the part of Pakistan. 
A story of origin of Namda is linked with the emperor Akbar. Once, the emperor felt that his horses were suffering from biting cold during winter season. Thus, he ordered exchequer to arrange for the protection of his horses, who went and declare his words. A traveler named Nubi offered his solution to the problem. He manufacture the rug, colored and embroidered it. The art piece impressed the emperor and the piece was given the name Namda. 
The craft of Namda carried in the states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. 

Types of Namda 
There are number of varieties of Namda  few are pure wool, some are wool mixed with cotton, while some are pure form of cotton, and major types of Namda are –
Plain Namda 
The rug with no attachment is described as plain Namda. 

Embroidered Namda 
When the plain rug is decorated with the beautiful aari work, is the description of embroidered Namda.
The different colors used in it, made it look attractive. 
Cut work Namda 

In this type of Namda, cut pieces were created and arrange in such a way that it form a design, while creating layer to get desired results. 
Namda in the four States
Gujarat Namda
In Gujarat, eastern part of kutch near Rapar Namda craft is practiced. The craft is still manufacture in the state but only 2-3 craftsman are creating the Namda fabric. The characteristic feature of Gujarat Namda is inlay geometric patterns. Support from government and non government organizations is needed. 
Rajasthan Namda 
Around 98km of Jaipur, Tonk is already well known for carpets, and melons. Though the Namda origin is international, the Indian craftsman make the craft as it own with Indian touch. 40% of raw wool is came from the region. It is said that one of few center of best Namda is from Rajasthan.
The study revivals that Namda is announced as one of the dying craft. 
Himachal Pradesh Namda 
Himachal Pradesh Namda is famous for its toys made up of it. These toys are a perfect precedent of the art of acceptance that tonk portrays, as during the British period it is set an example of Hindu-Muslims unity. Presently it is suffering and is near extinct. 
Kashmir Namda 
The antique Namda rugs of Kashmir need government support, digital marketing and promotion initiatives for revival. Kashmiri people have been using Namda rugs for centuries. The Namda carpets are usually used in heavy winters in Kashmir. The Namada carpets usually used in heavy winters of Kashmir. 

Process making 
The primary step is the removal of dirt and foreign particles from wool and to get uniform and consistent thickness. 
The next step is to build the border. The wool is spread evenly   with in the given border and thick layers are made. While for the third layer, the most dirty layer, and uses used wool.
While sprinkling the soap solution, the mat is tightly rolled and tied up with a rope and then fibre to fabric fusion technique is used. In which the wool is compressed with hands and feet till an hour. After this process the mat is untie from the rope and what we get is called Namda.
Then the plain Namda is put outside in the sun for drying process. After that beautiful aari work is added in the Namda, though embroidery is totally optional. 

Downfall of Namda 
There are no fixed rate of raw material used to create the Namda, there as well no or limited availability of wool carding machines, traditionally handmade carding machines are no longer used because
,the disadvantage of  its time consumption. 
Due to fixed income or low income the craftsman shifted to other jobs. There is also lack of proper Awareness  of government schemes. Due to lack of knowledge of modern market field, the craftsman cannot able to sell the product directly to their customers. 
Though, the steps have taken to encourage the craft, but more effort is need by the government as well design institute to resuscitate this old craft. The Namda  is listed as an “ identifiable endangered craft of India”.


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