Khamenchatpa : A symbol of Royalty
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Rajkumari Dhanalaxmi Devi
Khamenchatpa is a remarkable textile of Meiteis of Manipur. It is a hand block printed silk fabric produced usingscrolled pattern of stylized floral designwith the dark purple colour.
The meaning of Khamenchatpa is a line of work with the purple colour of a brinjal. A design patternof Khamenchatpa is originated from the body of God serpent legendary Pakhangba therefore this fabric is not used by women during her menstrual period. It reflects the identity of a wearer, as worn by the royal descendant, nobleman, courtier and also worn by superior member of the society. It cannot be used by common people and this was strictly followed during the time of monarchy.
Khamenchatpa cloth was given as a token of a gift or reward by the king (Maharaja) to the deserving individual like men of merit who are deemed worthy, genius or eminent scholar. A design pattern is usually printed on silk dhoti (pheijom), shawl (innaphee), shirt (phurit), turban (kokyet), and waistband (kwangchet). Khamen-chatppa is washed and dried separately as it can’t be washed with the other cloths.
(To be contd)
Khamenchatpa is a remarkable textile of Meiteis of Manipur. It is a hand block printed silk fabric produced usingscrolled pattern of stylized floral designwith the dark purple colour.
The meaning of Khamenchatpa is a line of work with the purple colour of a brinjal. A design patternof Khamenchatpa is originated from the body of God serpent legendary Pakhangba therefore this fabric is not used by women during her menstrual period. It reflects the identity of a wearer, as worn by the royal descendant, nobleman, courtier and also worn by superior member of the society. It cannot be used by common people and this was strictly followed during the time of monarchy.
Khamenchatpa cloth was given as a token of a gift or reward by the king (Maharaja) to the deserving individual like men of merit who are deemed worthy, genius or eminent scholar. A design pattern is usually printed on silk dhoti (pheijom), shawl (innaphee), shirt (phurit), turban (kokyet), and waistband (kwangchet). Khamen-chatppa is washed and dried separately as it can’t be washed with the other cloths.
(To be contd)