The Risha: History in a Narrow Weave

By Aratrik Dev Varman , Jisha Unnikrishnan

MARG Magazine

English

Softcover

The risha is a narrow breastcloth woven on the loin loom, worn by women from the 19 or so tribes of Tripura. Marg presents a detailed documentation of this garment divided into two sections, Village and Court, while exploring its history and the socio-political influences that led to its evolution from everyday attire to symbol of Tripuri pride. Authored by Aratrik Dev Varman and Jisha Unnikrishnan, the study is supported by several rare photographs from the turn of the 19th century, never-before-seen examples of royal silk risha-s, 1:1 details of the textiles and an illustrated glossary of motifs.