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The legendary fabric that no one knows how to make Dhaka Muslin, a fabric that was so fine that it could pass through a ring, was once one of the most valuable fabrics in the world. However, this fabric went extinct almost two centuries ago. After six years of effort, researchers in Bangladesh succeeded in bringing the forgotten and enigmatic Dhaka Muslin fabric back to life. Some readers may ask what Dhaka Muslin is and why it went extinct. Dhaka Muslin is a cotton fabric made using the plain weave technique, where a single weft thread alternates over and under a single warp thread. This fabric was lost due to the systematic destruction of the Indian textile industry by the British in the late 18th century. Historical accounts say that the British rulers did not hesitate to cut the thumbs of the Dhaka Muslin weavers to stop the production of this fabric. The extent of the brutality was also described by William Bolts, an employee of the East India Company, in his book, “Considerations on India Affairs”, in 1772. These weavers lived in and around Dhaka City where I live now. This article is a continuation of my blog titled “The Lost Fabric,” which was uploaded on this site’s blog page on 11/13/2016. If readers want to know more about this legendary fabric and how it has been resurrected, they may search for the following article on the internet: “The ancient fabric that no one knows how to make - BBC Future.” https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210316-the-legendary-fabric-that-no-one-knows-how-to-make Meanwhile, readers may view the pictures of the resurrected and lost Dhaka Muslin fabrics below. Photo Credits: Drik/Bengal Muslin Photo # 6: Phuti Karpas cotton           |
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Dhaka muslin was a favourite of Joséphine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon, who owned several dresses inspired by the classical era. See Picture # 7 above.
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Historical accounts say so, Koffla. Please go to Google and click the link mentioned above for details. They did it apparently to market their textile fabrics in the then India. Thanks for stopping by and for your post.
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Look This is wonderful informative blog. I will read more about it. When I started to read, I thought it was similar to silk, but after learning it is made from cotton it brings up something else. -------- I did not know cotton was grown in your area of the world. In the early U.S.A. cotton was the main product of the southern states. It was produced on large plantations with slave labor and exported over the world. Our civil war in the 1860s disrupted the plantations source of labor and set the cotton production and southern states economy back significantly. But for many years Cotton WAS King Of THE SOUTH. I will call up cotton production in your area and learn more of the amazing weaving process of this unique material. Also---- What was the reasoning behind closing down production of the material?
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Delicate and beautiful fabric! A day without dance is .... just kidding. I have no idea!
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Look This is wonderful informative blog. I will read more about it. When I started to read, I thought it was similar to silk, but after learning it is made from cotton it brings up something else. -------- I did not know cotton was grown in your area of the world. In the early U.S.A. cotton was the main product of the southern states. It was produced on large plantations with slave labor and exported over the world. Our civil war in the 1860s disrupted the plantations source of labor and set the cotton production and southern states economy back significantly. But for many years Cotton WAS King Of THE SOUTH. I will call up cotton production in your area and learn more of the amazing weaving process of this unique material. Also---- What was the reasoning behind closing down production of the material? JW, I know that the USA is a cotton-growing country. It still is one of the countries where cotton is grown. Here in Bangladesh, we do not grow cotton like you do. We import it from Egypt and Pakistan. Hope, by now you know why and what caused the closing down of Dhaka Muslin fabric production 200 years ago in Bangladesh. Take care. be safe.
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Delicate and beautiful fabric!
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Very interesting read , and lovely pictures also. That fabric looks really beautiful. Take care looklook and stay safe. .
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How interesting, Looklook!! I'm so glad this beautiful fabric is being produced again. 
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Look I have read for hours about it now. So much in this world is not fair. As production comes back can it be sold at a profit after consideration of all the labor put into it? In Texas there is only 1 place I know of that will purchase mohair used in clothing now It was a good money maker in the late 50s and early 60s. We had about 200 mohair goats. I was a great goat shearer. LOL The mohair goat business is almost extinct now. I wonder if mohair could be used in place of cotton to produce Muslin.
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This is not only just a material, it a fabric of the culture of your area. I searched for more pictures of it, and see that it is very sheer. I hope a resurrection of it's production will make it more available today, but it will most likely be machine made instead of a craft. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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Very interesting read , and lovely pictures also. That fabric looks really beautiful. Take care looklook and stay safe. .
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How interesting, Looklook!! I'm so glad this beautiful fabric is being produced again.
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Lovely cloth. Its history is so sad.
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Look I have read for hours about it now. So much in this world is not fair. As production comes back can it be sold at a profit after consideration of all the labor put into it? In Texas there is only 1 place I know of that will purchase mohair used in clothing now It was a good money maker in the late 50s and early 60s. We had about 200 mohair goats. I was a great goat shearer. LOL The mohair goat business is almost extinct now. I wonder if mohair could be used in place of cotton to produce Muslin.
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This is not only just a material, it a fabric of the culture of your area. I searched for more pictures of it, and see that it is very sheer. I hope a resurrection of it's production will make it more available today, but it will most likely be machine made instead of a craft. Be safe. Keep well.
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Lovely cloth. Its history is so sad.
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SUCH A DELICATE FABRIC MUST BE VERY DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A PERSON TO PRODUCE IT? THE BRITS HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR.
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SUCH A DELICATE FABRIC MUST BE VERY DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A PERSON TO PRODUCE IT? THE BRITS HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. Handloom weaving is traditionally a family activity performed in a rural household set-up and is spread across several weaving villages in Bangladesh, Nepal and India. Though weaving is a male-concentrated occupation, women weavers are now available to do the job along with the male members of the family. However preparatory works are done by the female members of the family. Weaving is a family activity that engages the entire family in the process of making fabric. Every member of the family receives on-the-job training. Hope, you are doing fine. You may come across dresses made by Dhaka Muslin if you visit a French museum where textile products are on display. Take care. Be safe, my friend.
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intriguing Abracadabra 
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intriguing
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