The Rug Library

Carpet weaving was introduced into the Jaipur Central Jail, founded in 1854 under Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, as part of a prisoner-reform programme, and jail weaving later spread to Ajmer and Bikaner.

Colonial-era jail carpet workshops in Rajasthan were intended to discipline prisoners through craft work and to offset the cost of imprisonment through the sale of carpets.

The cotton durrie tradition of Salawas near Jodhpur is traced to the mid-19th century and is practised mainly by the Prajapat community, who have handed the craft down over generations.

Panja durries take their name from the panja, a claw-like metal beater used to pack the weft firmly after each pass, producing a dense, durable flatweave.

Besides Jaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner, carpet and durrie weaving in Rajasthan is also found in smaller centres such as Tonk and Barmer, and Bikaner and Tonk are known for felted namdah rugs.

Bikaner’s jail carpet workshop is reported to have used very large metal looms set up outdoors in open courtyards.

Salawas panja durries are known for strong colours such as deep reds, yellows and blues, often in bold geometric designs.

Asia InCH describes Rajasthan’s durries as featuring geometric compositions, floral elements and motifs drawn from desert landscapes.

Jaipur’s jail carpets were often woven to historic designs, reportedly drawing on carpets in the Jaipur maharaja’s own collection.