Patola Patan

The process of creating this fabric is complicated due to exquisite nature. It takes a year to complete and the fabric patterns are elaborate.

Usage: –

This fabric has been restricted as an attire worn by royalty. It developed into sari. Patola was considered auspicious when draped during special occasions. It brings good luck and ward off evil spirits. Thus, fabric is kept in houses and framed as protective talisman.

Significance: –

Weavers inculcate designs on the fabric before it is woven together. The designs exist solely in craftsmen mind till it emerged in women fabric.

The designs require high level of creativity which is determined and require high level of creativity, concentration and skill.

• Patola is traditionally being considered as Gujarati communities such as Nagar Brahmins, Jains or kutcha Bhatia’s. The couple family often adorn the fabric as sign of prosperity, religious feeling.
• This fabric had been passed among generations. This fabric had believed to have power of blessings, protection from evil and protect the wearer from misfortune.
• This fabric is used in healing ceremonies.
• The fabric is being exported to Indonesia and Malaysia.
• This also stands for power and authority.

Design–

• Patterns In patola fabric is inspired from nature and local architecture
• Carved stone panel of 11^th century have left their designs to elaborate fabric.
• Patola patterns are unique like geometric designs. They have elephant, flowers, girl and parrot designs are common.
• Patola designs are worn by women and elephant and tiger motifs are considered particularly auspicious.
• Pan bhaat design is one of the frequent patterns. It is motif which can be traced back.

Challenges: –

• This craft is time and labour intensive.
• This led to cheaper or single iktat imitations which taints delicate work of patola.
• There are cheaper versions available for natural dyes with chemical ones  
• Cheaper versions have also natural dyes replacement without less detailed motifs.
• Four families carry this weaving as craft.
• Last generation which has surpasses the challenges- high investment, time and money, low returns and lack of interest to continue the craft among young generations.