Madurkathi

Mat-weaving in India dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation.[6] Its socio-cultural relevance is evidenced by references in ancient literature, including the Atharva Veda, the Shatapatha Brahmana, and the Mahabharata.[1] Its historical significance is also reflected in Indian folklore, in which the saints were offered grass mats to sit on.

Records from the Medieval Period provide the first information about mat-weaving in the region of Bengal, with both ordinary and fine quality mats being produced.

The finest quality of mat, the masland, derives its name from the Persian word masnad, which means throne.[7] Masland mats originated in the Muslim period, when the finest mats were produced in Medinipur with a silk weft, under the patronage of the royal community of that time.[1] The Medinipur district village of Maslandpur, located close to Tamluk subdivision, probably takes its name from the masland mat.[8]

Mats were collected as revenue under the jaigirdari system. In 1744, Nawab Alibardi Khan issued a charter to the jaigirdars in this regard. As a result, it was obligatory to supply masland mats for use in the collectorate. Permanent markets for mats were established in Medinipur.[1] Kasijora and Narajol were the two most important centers of fine masland mat-weaving during this period.[1][9] Ordinary mats were also produced.

Government officials in the British period observed that a large number of masland mats were manufactured in Medinipur. According to a census report of 1872, there were 618 skilled workers engaged in mat-making in the district of Medinipur, where mats were one of the principle articles of trade.[10] 448,300 mats were reportedly manufactured in 1907-1908.[11] Records of the British Raj show that, at the beginning of the 20th century, the price of masland mats was 100 Indian rupees (INR) or more.[1][12] The finest quality mats at that time were made at Raghunathbari, Kasijora, and Narajol in Medinipur.

The weavers, mainly Mahishyas, make three types of mat:[1]

• ekh-rokha, or single mat
• do-rokha, or double mat
• masland

Ekh-rokha is a light, thin madur mat. Do-rokha is a heavier and thicker mat, superior to ak rokha in terms of comfort and convenience. The third type, masland, is a textured mat featuring decorative patterning, and is the finest and most expensive of the three.[1]

Madurkathi have also been used to make a variety of decorative and functional items, including door curtains, sleeping mats, tiffin-carriers, and handbags.[1][2][3]

Mats may be made in a variety of patterns. The designs are self-colored, using variation in the natural reed, and can also incorporate dyed reed patterning in black and magenta.[1]

Madurkathi

The raw material used to make madur mats is a sedge of the genus Cyperus: Cyperus pangorei (formerly Cyperus tegetum).[13] Known locally as madurkathi, it grows on marshy land, thriving in southern and eastern India including in the area of Medinipur.[1]

The frequent flooding around Medinipur makes many areas unsuitable for crop cultivation. Grass, sedges and reeds provide a viable alternative for the region's farmers. As a result, cultivation of madurkathi grass and the weaving of Madur mats has become an important part of the local household economy.