Bhotiya Carpets

BHOTIYA CARPETS - New notes to an unsung legacy

This monograph is part of the research done towards a MSc. Degree under the guidance of Mrs. Veena Kapur in the Department of Home Science, Delhi University.

Introduction Bhotiyas are a nomadic tribe that moves from place to place in Garhwal and three districts of Himalayan Uttar Pradesh - Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Bhotiyas are a nomadic tribe that moves from place to place in Garhwal and three districts of Himalayan Uttar Pradesh - Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. It is noted that for nomads, floor is the most important place. It served as a sitting place and also a bed to sleep on. Man’s urge to beautify his surroundings was reflected in wall and floor paintings and was probably the main reason for development of floor coverings. All forms of present day floor coverings have had their origin in the humble dwellings of the nomads. Amongst the Bhotiyas, the cold climate of the mountains is another factor that necessitated the used of carpets (Chottopadhaya,1965). For these mountain dwellers, carpet is the main form of furniture. They sleep on it, seat their guests on it and spread it out for ceremonies and feasts. The history of pile rugs and wool is like a legend with the Bhotiyas. Since time immemorial, they have been using wool and their life seemed to be revolving around it, so much so, that it has become deep rooted in many of their ritualistic...