Kinkhab: The Lost Fabric of Kings are now the glory of Gujarat

Have you ever seen such fabric, observing which feels like it has more soul than your past relationship? 

If you have also encountered such fabric, then welcome to the world of Kinkhab. 

This fabric from Gujarat is not only a fashion but a blockbuster movie created on the loom.

Know the History of Kinkhab Fabric.

Gujarat is the hub of cloth manufacturing. From Zari production to Kalamkari, Patan-Patola fabrication, it has made its place in the hearts of fashion enthusiasts.  

Kinkhab’s Aura farming is also done in the ancient looms of Gujarat. Under the royal patronage, this fabric was woven with real gold and silver threads. 

Historians assumed it was between the 12th and 16th centuries when this fabric started its life. 

In the Yajur Veda, this fabric's name was first mentioned; later on Megasthinis also mentioned it in his book with the name of ‘ Cloth of Gold.’ 

The speciality of this fabric is that it was woven by the ‘Peshakaris’ which refer to the female weavers of that era. 

Previously, this cloth was used as the furnishing cloth or long skirts. But modern women demanded to wear it as a saree. Thatwhy the weavers started to weave it in 6-yard lengths. 

Know how the Kinkhab Fabric has evolved 

This hiryani, hirivastra, or pandukala were basically woven using Chinese silk. And the gold and silver threads that are used to adorn the fabric are called Kor, kinar, taslappo, phit, and gota. 

In 1883, there were almost 500 to 600 looms engaged in weaving Kinkhabs. Basically, the Khatri community is the one who used to weave such fabrics. Thakurs and Rawals functioned as their helpers. 

Nardipore, Upera, Mansa, and Gojariya are the districts where the Kinkhabs are produced. 

The kinkhab-producing methods are also very intense. 

First, there’s ‘degumming’. They wash silk yarns in hot water with soap and soda ash for thirty minutes, then just toss them on the rough concrete walls outside to dry. No fancy dryers, just raw sun and stone.

Then comes the winding. The women used to do it with the help of cool wooden stands. These stands are also called darkas and bamboo phirkis to get the threads on tiny rods. Then the weaving work is done with precision.

Know some Speciality of Kinkhab fabric of Gujarat

The colour palette used on the fabric is the most interesting factor about the Kinkhab saree, 

deep maroons, vibrant greens, with contrasting gold and silver zari to make you feel like royalty.

The floral design with a blue and black border is the most common outline of the saree.

The designs also sound like poetry. ‘Taramandala’ are the star pattern motifs, ‘Morpopat’ are the peacocks and parrot designs, and ‘Asharfi’ for little gold coin designs - famous on Kinkhab sarees. 

Though these designs still exists but as the industry is changing, the old-school ‘naksha’ system has also eloped. To weave an old age, ‘Nalsha’, previously, three people needed to run the loom.

Now this has been replaced by today’s Jacquard mechanism. And synthetic zaris are used to keep up with the local demand.

FAQs

1. Which Kinkhab dresses are now very famous and trendy?

Kinkhab saree, Kinkhab suit, Kinkhab bricades are very famous nowadays. Any kind of Kinkhab cloth is now very famous for its glossy look. 

2. What is Kinkhab meaning?

Kinkhab means the Luxurious fabric. Previously, the fabric was made only for the kings, but now whoever wants to look luxurious buy Kinkhab for the elegance styling.

3. What is the origin of the Kinkhab fabric and the Kinkhab history?

The history has already been mentioned in the article. 

4. What is the Kinkhab fabric price?

The Kinkhab fabric’s pricing starts from 5k and goes up to 50K, depending on the authentic design of the fabric.