Centuries-old Himroo weaving technique kept alive in Aurangabad

Nagaland journalists explore Maharashtra’s history, cultural heritage

DIMAPUR — A single family in Aurangabad is keeping alive the rare Himroo weaving technique, a unique blend of silk and cotton weaving using Persian designs. Significantly different from the traditional loinloom used in Nagaland, Himroo is a unique two-person weaving tradition.

Imran Ahmed Qureshi, a fifth-generation weaver, explained that Himroo requires two individuals, a weaver and an assistant who manoeuvres the threads so that the weaver can create the designs. This differs significantly from Naga weaving, where a single weaver manages all aspects of the process.

He shared his passion for preserving this unique craft with journalists who were on a media tour on October 7. He said that his family is the sole custodian of this rare weaving tradition, operating the world’s only Himroo handloom.

Despite being labelled a “dying art,” Qureshi expressed his determination to revive Himroo weaving, stating that he is actively promoting its legacy by training and employing 25 underprivileged women, ensuring the craft’s survival for future generations.

Explaining the process, he said that it takes about nine days to weave one metre of Himroo fabric by blending silk and cotton which are grown locally in Aurangabad. The fabric sells for INR 3,500 per metre, he shared.

Qureshi stated that his Himroo products have found a market internationally, reaching buyers in the USA, Europe, and metropolitan cities in India. Demand often surpasses supply, he said, with orders frequently clearing out his entire stock.

He maintained that the weaving process has remained unchanged since inception in the 14th century, relying entirely on traditional techniques without the use of modern machinery.

Tour of historical sites

Stills from the British era bunker. (EM Images)

As part of the media tour, a group of journalists from Nagaland recently toured historical sites in Maharashtra, including the British-era bunker at Raj Bhavan Mumbai, discovered in 2016 and now a museum. The bunker, believed to have been constructed before World War I, is spread over 15,000 square feet and houses historical artefacts,

The journalists also visited the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 34 caves open to the public. Dating from the 6th to 12th centuries, the caves, hand carved into basalt cliffs, represent Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu faiths. Among them, the Kailasha Temple, dedicated to Hinduism, is the largest of the rock-cut temples at the Ellora Caves.

They also visited the Daulatabad Fort, the Panchakki water mill, and the Bibi Ka Maqbara which is a marble and limestone tomb.

Among others, the group also visited Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) University, known for its focus on skill development, including a Khadi research centre promoting traditional Indian fabrics. During interactions with the varsity’s administration and officials from various backgrounds, the university expressed interest in collaborating on skill-building initiatives highlighting the skill programmes that it offers.

The tour also included a visit to Auric City, a greenfield industrial smart city project spread over an area of 10,000 acres near Aurangabad.