Himru/Brocade Weaving of Maharashtra

Himroo, a traditional brocade, with a history extending back to Mughal times, is an extra-weft, figured fabric. A complex weave, decorated with figurative motifs it was originally woven in running lengths to be made-up into Shervanis – the traditional dress of the Mughal courts. Now woven into shawls and other unstitched garments, Himroo is a craft that is languishing.

This special cotton brocade is woven on a throw-shuttle loom and has a complicated technique of weaving. The design, planned by the Naksh bandh is usually geometric and floral, with birds and animals patterns woven in too. Intricate creeper designs are popular.