Leather Craft of Chamba: Heritage of Royality

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of exploring the leathercraft of Chamba. It is a craft practiced in Chamba town of Himachal Pradesh. It is a journey of a craft that was introduced by a Princess and presently striving for its existence. This craft molded itself into a new trend that enhanced our knowledge of changing traditions comprehensively. Meticulously work was done to learn more about the leathercraft of Chamba, its origin, and artisans. The process of production of the leathercraft of Chamba is also documented after collecting primary data by conducting a field study in Chamba.

Keywords:

• leathercraft of Chamba
• traditional craft
• craft
• Chamba
• leather
• touch dyeing
• punching
• braiding
• weaving

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Trapti Singh

Trapti Singh is a merchandiser in a well-known and prestigious export house cum retail brand. As a merchandiser, she has worked diligently and is committed to her profession. She has just completed her M.Sc. in Fabric and Apparel Science from University of Delhi. She is a traditional craft enthusiast. She has meticulously learned about the craft and art while interacting and working with the artisans who have devoted their life in preserving the exquisiteness of their respective craft. Her M.Sc. dissertation involved “Leather Craft of Chamba: Traditional Aspects and Product Development.”[email protected]

Amita Walia

Dr Amita Walia is an Assistant Professor in Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University and is associated with premier fashion institutes as external and internal examiner, visiting lecturer and technical writer. She has authored a chapter in a well-known book by the title Embroidery in Asia—Sui Dhaga— Crossing Boundaries through Needle and Thread. She also has patent in her name. She has 17 publications to her credit and has been successfully guiding PhD students. She has held positions of responsibility working as Head of the Department in a premier fashion institute and Operations Management and Client Relationship Management in Textile Designing. Her notable accomplishments include preparing curriculum of various programmes in Home Science. She has been instrumental in organizing fashion shows for the institutes where she has worked. She has also been actively involved in social work and has conducted training programmes for slum dwellers in the years 1992 and 1993. [email protected]

Shazia Mehtab

Dr. Shazia Mehtab is an Assistant Professor at Delhi University in the Fabric & Apparel Science Department. Her PhD research involved a synthesis of “Leaf Extracts imparting Antimicrobial Properties on Cotton Fabric using plant extracts.” She has 5.5 years of teaching experience and 8 years of research experience. She has cleared NET & JRF in 2011, and received a Gold medal and Young Scientist Award for her research work. She has 8 publications and 2 book chapters. Her area of interest for future research is circular fashion. [email protected]