pahaad ke raaste

The Design Story

pahaad ke raaste

Pahaad Ke Raaste
The paths in the mountains are winding and steep, requiring one to bend forward at times and tread carefully at others. After many ups and downs, you reach a point, where you can take in a breathtaking view. Relationships are much like these paths, and this carpet is woven with the threads of those relationships. This Manchaha carpet was created by Rajni, the daughter-in-law; Krishna, her mother-in-law; Kamlesh, her sister-in-law; and Manisha, her younger sister-in-law. The women of this household, each in their unique roles, crafted this hand-knotted carpet together. Interestingly, Rajni has been weaving carpets in her new home for ten years now. She learned the art from her mother. Coincidentally, her mother-in-law has also been involved in carpet weaving for years. It was this craft that brought them together. When they started weaving this Manchaha carpet, everyone chose bright colors. Kamlesh, opting for black and blue, began weaving her favorite design. Though Rajni found the design odd, she hesitated to say anything, fearing Kamlesh might take offense. However, after a few days, Kamlesh realized she needed to be in sync with the team and joined hands in coordination. Rajni often thought about her childhood home, where she plucked and ate mulberries (shahtoot in their local language) from the trees in their fields. She weaved a beautiful tree onto the carpet, embedding those sweet memories. The trio then wove the vast mountains surrounding their village. Excited by the process, Manisha requested to learn and join in in the middle of the rug. On this loom, everyone was welcome to learn and experiment. Some other women also came by to try their hand at weaving. At the top right corner of the rug, you'll find four funny-looking motifs representing the four main weavers—their family and their bond—woven together through the winding paths of life.

rajni sethiya