Patka - A Waist Band on Maharaja Jai Singh
PATKA or kamarband is a waistband (simply a piece of cloth tied across the waist ) in which a sword is fixed. There is a tradition of tying patkas as it is useful in two ways : Firstly it makes the person active and secondly it aids in tucking weapons and arms which made the two hands free to hold.
BACKGROUND
The Royal Rajasthani class used to tie high quality patkas like cotton ,silken while in winter season they prefer woolen patkas. The past pictures depicts that earlier patka’s length and breadth was less. They used to have geometrical designs printed on them.
BASIC CLOTH
The cloth was woven, printed and embroidered. The base is of one colour and type only. Even bootis were of same colour as base. The corners had multi-coloured stems and on border huge size of bootis of lotus, chameli etc were embroidered.
HISTORY
During the period of Akbar, geometrical designs were made while in Jahangir and Shaahjahan period, floral pattern was in trend. The best example can be seen from collection shown in Kashi Hindu University where there is patka in which beautiful combination and style of grape stem is depicted. The auspicious birds and animals like peacock were embroidered in it.
How Patka’s Evolved?
In eighteen century, patka become less useful. It used to have more ornaments and there was greater difference in their length and breadths. Gradually its broadness increased from 1.5 mtr to 2 mtr.
In 20th century, the art of making patka was stopped, only olden patka’s were used in royal courts. In Rajasthan, patkas of Chanderi, Banaras and Ahmedabad became popular. These patkas were worn in Mughal and Rajput courtyards.
