Kala Cotton Handloom Artist

ramji rajabhai marvada

Nakhtrana, Gujarat

Ramji Rajabhai Marwada, 33, is an entrepreneur from the village of Sanyra in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. He belongs to a traditional weaving community and learned the art of weaving from his father when he was in the 10th grade. Despite financial constraints, Ramji joined his father as a weaver at 18. In 2010, he and his father established a connection with Khamir, sourcing Kala cotton yarn and initiating the production of Kala Cotton fabrics. Ramji recently started his own business, A to Z Kala Cotton, focusing on Kala Cotton fabrics and stoles. He aspires to expand his business, team, and impart knowledge about Kala Cotton and hand-spun thread weaving to the new generation. Renowned for quality and quantity, Ramji incorporates diverse motifs into his weaving and uses a four-pedal frame loom and peti charkha. A to Z Kala Cotton recently ventured into creating its own range of products, including stoles, incorporating these motifs and dyed yarn.

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about craft

Kala cotton, a type of organic cotton grown in the Kutch area of the Bhuj district in Gujarat, holds deep cultural and historical significance. Traditionally woven by the Vankar (weaver) community from the village of Bhujodi in Kutch, the name ‘kala’ refers to the cotton pod, which is the core of the cotton plant. Historically, Kala cotton has been utilized for various purposes, including turbans and grain storage bags, showcasing its versatility and durability. The process of transforming raw Kala cotton into hand-woven textiles involves spinning and weaving. The spinning of Kala cotton yarn is typically carried out using a hand-operated charkha, emphasizing the artisanal and sustainable nature of the craft. Kala cotton is known for its strong, coarse, and stretchable fiber, making it a popular choice for denim production today. Additionally, the fabric produced from Kala cotton is renowned for its durability and longevity, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly option for clothing and home textiles. One of the unique features of Kala cotton is its natural color, which ranges from light beige to dark brown. This natural color eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, enhancing its eco-friendly characteristics. Historically, Kala cotton was exported in large numbers during colonial times, showcasing its significance in India’s textile heritage. Today, Kala cotton continues to be a symbol of sustainability and cultural heritage, reflecting the rich history and craftsmanship of the Vankar community in Kutch.