Bhavani Jamakkalam refers to blankets and carpets traditionally manufactured in Bhavani in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Jamakkalam produced in Bhavani are very thick and long lasting. With sparkling colours, these Jamakkalam’s have a very delightful look.
The tradition dates back to the 19th century when a group of weavers called the Jangamars in Bhavani located in the banks of Cauvery in Erode district started producing blanket using coarse cotton threads that were called as Jamakkalam. Colour dye and water of Bhavani town make grand appearance of Jamakkalam’s possible.
Yarn is the basic raw material. Before weaving, the yarn is dyed in hot liquid dye and then removed and squeezed and sun dried. In the earlier days the colours used were black, blue and khaki. These were extracted from vegetables such Kadukkai husk (Gall nut), Annabedhi (Green Vitriol) a blue colour yielding medicinal creeper, along with turmeric and indigo were used for dyeing.
The process of dyeing involves extraction of required dye first, which involves soaking in earthen pots and then crushing into a mixture to get the required colour. Weaving is done is thrown shuttle in a Pit loom. Once the required length of the carpet is woven, the warp thread is cut and knotted at the ends.
Uniqueness of the Bhavani Jamakkalam for centuries has been in its weave of multi coloured cross bar effect on both side of the carpet / spread. Bhavani Jamakkalam is closely knit that the warp is invisible, on account of this it is heavy and of considerable weight.
High on everyday utility value, these traditional carpets of Tamil Nadu were woven in various sizes to suit different requirements — puja mats for one person to sit on, dining mats for a short row of guests and so on. For weddings and other social gatherings, jamakkalam s would be custom-woven to the dimensions required.
Bhavani Jamakkalam is used as part of the warm clothing costume requirements of the common people. It forms a part of collection of gifts that the brides and the bridegrooms are vested with and the new born children are made to lie on it because of its smooth and fine texture. It is also used as “Joolah” a small spread put on the cow with a pair of ‘nandis’ on the two ends and a ‘shivalinga’ in the centre.
GI Tag Registration Date : 05 July 2005
GI Tag Number : 16
Certificate Number : 13
Geographical Area : Tamil Nadu
Special Cover Release Date : 26 August 2021
Cancellation : Bhavani 638 301
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : TN/19/2021
The cover has a small replica of Bhavani Jamakkalam. 2000 Nos of covers are issued and each cover is numbered.
Enlarged View of Illustration
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