The Indian state of Rajasthan has given us a gift to facewinter with - a warm, snuggly, lightweight quilt called a "Jaipurirazai." Soft as a cloud, light as air, warm as toast, this verycomfortable handmade comforter inspires all manner of similes to describe it.Although the name seems exotically foreign to Anglophones, the translation isfairly straightforward. "Jaipuri" means "coming fromJaipur," the capital city of Rajasthan, and "razai" simply means"quilt." Jaipuri razais are available online and in stores in the United States and are often available as fair trade comforters. A jaipuri razai is specialboth for its artisanry and for its functionality. First, in handmaking thesebeautiful quilts, razai artisans use the traditional textile-making skills ofcotton carding, cotton voile-making and quilting.
Cotton carding is the process of preparing cotton to use ascotton fill in a quilt. A worker uses two carders. The carders are convexpaddles covered with small, fine teeth. The worker charges the carders byplacing cotton fibers onto one of the carders. Then the worker gently draws theother carder across the face of the first one several times, changing positionof the carders from horizontal to vertical. In the process of carding, thecotton dross is exposed and removed. "Dross" is simply wastematerial. Removing the dross leaves soft, fine, delicate cotton fibers. In atypical Jaipuri razai, the worker starts with a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cottonand works at carding it for a full week. After fully carding the cotton, theworker is left with a mere 100 grams (approximately 3.5 ounces) of cotton touse to fill the comforter.
The lighter and fluffier the cotton fill, the warmer andcozier the quilt will be. Once the fill is prepared, the artisans go on to makethe quilts. It is important to layer the cotton evenly throughout the quilt.This is another characteristic of the handmade quilt that gives it its warmth.The shell of the Jaipuri razai is usually a high-quality soft cotton voile.Cotton voile is a lightweight, gauzy cotton fabric with a soft, smooth surface.The softness of the voile adds to the very snuggly, cozy nature of the Jaipurirazai. Sometimes the quilter uses a velvet covering instead of cotton voile.After being filled, the quilt is stitched together. Of course, in times goneby, the quilt-makers did all the stitching with a hand-held needle. Modernly,however, quilt-makers use a sewing machine to stitch the sides of the quilttogether.
The machine-stitched sides increase the durability of thequilt. Quilters then use a running stitch on the interior of the quilt panelsto hold the fill in place and add to the beauty of the quilt. All this work,from the carding to the filling to the quilting, is typically done by artisanswhose families have been practicing these skills for generations. Thefunctionality of the Jaipuri razai is as important as the artisanry that goesinto making it. Although a Jaipuri razai is handmade, soft and snuggly, oneshould not get the impression that it is delicate. These quilts are, in fact,quite durable. This is not surprising when one considers the history andgeography of the region that the Jaipuri razai originated in.
Rajasthan is located in northwestern India. Bordering on Pakistan, Rajasthan encompasses the Aravalli Mountain Range and theThar (Great Indian) Desert. Throughout Rajasthan, the terrain is inhospitableand the weather can get bitterly cold, especially at night. Traditionally,Rajasthanis were often on the move. Shepherds, traders, soldiers and warriors,itinerant bards and others traveling by camel caravan were in need of acovering to carry with them that would keep them warm in the cold desert nightsand yet be easy to carry. So the Jaipuri razai by necessity had to be aslong-lasting and convenient to carry as it was warm and comfortable to use. Itis as functional in a modern household as it is out in the Indian desert. Ofcourse, these quilts are perfect for use as bed comforter. But they can just aseasily be packed up and sent off to a college dorm room, folded away for use asneeded in a guest room or stored in a chest to bring out when lounging on thecouch. Of course, Jaipuri razais are available for sale in small, family-ownedshops in Jaipur. But fortunately for all of us, we can find them here in the United States, too.
Many times, Jaipuri razais are available as fair tradecomforters and can be purchased online or in stores that carry fair tradeitems. By purchasing a Jaipuri razai as a fair trade comforter, you not only enhanceyour home decor and get a warm, comforting bed covering, but, as for all yourfair trade purchases, you also provide a living wage for a traditional Indianartisan working to rise above poverty, support a participatory work environmentwith humane working conditions and ensure environmental sustainability. Sincethey are made of 100% cotton, Jaipuri razais are an excellent choice for thoseallergic to, or just don't like, down or feathers. They are also well suitedfor people who don't like the look, feel or idea of polyester. Anyone whodislikes having a heavy cover over them while they sleep should consider aJaipuri razai. There are many benefits to the Jaipuri razai, that Rajasthanigift to those of us facing winter. And, just think . . . These benefits caneasily be yours.
About the Author:
Copyright 2007 by Sister Kate's Products, LLCKathleen Hobbins is the President and CEO of Sister Kate's Products, LLC, basedin Chicago, IL. Sister Kate's manages an online store specializing in fairtrade products. Kathleen is committed to fair trade and other social justiceissues. Visit Sister Kate's website at www.ImportedLinens.com.
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