Jamdani muslin, which features intricate geometric designs on fine cotton, is classified by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Seeing the role of saleswomen and weavers, including women at Tanaporen and Sheva's sustainable jamdani, remind me of the role of women in the revival of craft and weaving in Bangladesh and Bengal. Ruby Ghaznavi, the founder of National Crafts Council of Bangladesh, was one of these women whose work eventually led to Jamdani being known as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh. Ghaznavi's work also led to the establishment of Aranya Crafts in 1990 which had naturally dyed products, leading the way for future endeavors in sustainable fashion.
I am a senior at Barnard College of Columbia University studying Art History. My research interests include South Asian Art, Eighteenth and Nineteenth-Century European Art, and Clothing.
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