Rajan Vankar is a forth generation weaver. This form of craft has great importance to his hometown – Sarli – which is in the Kutch region, situated near the India-Pakistan border.<\/p>\n\n
The history of weaving in this place runs deep, dating back around 600 years to when weavers migrated to these lands from Rajasthan. According to one of the legends, the craftsmen came to Kutch when one of the affluent Rabari women got married and decided to move to this very area. With her, she brought a weaver, who was to be responsible for preparing clothes for her and the whole family. Throughout the years, many craftsmen dispersed over the region and provided the locals with fabrics, which were made into many things, such as clothes or blankets.<\/p>\n\n
Rajan’s family has been in the weaving business for over 150 years. He has learned all he knows by observing his father and grandfather work in their workshop. He specializes in shawls, headscarves, throws, blankets, and sari which he usually makes out of silk or cotton. Rajan makes them in a variety of colours – from earthy browns to cold blues, warm pinks, or vibrant oranges. All of them are decorated in masterfully done patterns characteristic of this region.<\/p>\n\n
In Kutch, these traditionally made fabrics are still well loved, and Rajan’s family business continues to provide quality products to local merchants as well as gain recognition for them from tourists from all around the world. \nMr. Rajan Vankar is a part of the International Organisation of Folk Art and represents his country in various countries.<\/p>\n\n