Shataranji
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| Shatranji | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
 Shataranji, a traditional handicraft of the Rangpur region and GI product of Bangladesh | |
| Description | A traditional handicraft of Rangpur region of Bangladesh |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Material | Fabric |
Shataranji (Bengali: শতরঞ্জি) is a weaving technique traditionally used in the Rangpur region of Bangladesh. In 2021, it was declared a Geographical Indication Product of Bangladesh.[1][2][3] It is used to produce carpets that are fashionable, artistic, and practical, especially when used as a blanket. Due to the expense involved in its production, Shataranji has historically been considered a symbol of aristocracy.
Shataranji is believed to date back to the Mughal Empire by locals, however, the exact origin of Shataranji is unknown.[2] The weaving techniques are passed down from generation to generation among the same weaver families. In the 1830s, Ms. Nisbet, a British civil servant and then Collector of Rangpur, visited the village of Peerpur, nearby Rangpur. This led to his discovery of local villages where locals weaved using Shataranji. Impressed by the product, Nisbet used his government influence to promote it; the region was named Nisbetganj in his honor.[4][5] During British rule, Shataranji carpets became commonplace throughout the Indian subcontinent, being exported to various locations in Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.[citation needed] After the Partition of India, Shataranji started losing popularity, nearly becoming extinct. It has seen a resurgence in the past few decades due to demand increase, the appreciation for handloom process and increased marketing.