Question

A textile with cotton warp and silk weft brocade produced in Aurangabad, Maharashtra is called:

• A. \( \text{Mashru} \)
• B. \( \text{Bafta} \)
• C. \( \text{Amru} \)
• D. \( \text{Himroo} \)

Hint:

The name "Himroo" is derived from the Persian word "Hum-ruh," which means "similar" or "replica," because it was meant to look like the pure silk Kimkhwab.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Aurangabad is a historically significant weaving center in Maharashtra, known for producing luxurious fabrics that often replicate more expensive silk brocades using blended yarns.

Step 1: Identify the regional specialty.
Himroo is a traditional fabric from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is a type of brocade woven with a cotton warp and a silk or wool weft. It was originally created as a more affordable alternative to pure silk "Kimkhwab" brocades for the nobility.

Step 2: Differentiate from other textiles.

• Mashru: Features a silk warp and cotton weft (reverse of Himroo) and is primarily associated with Gujarat.
• Amru: A pure silk brocade without the use of Zari (metallic thread).
• Bafta: A blend of silk and cotton, but the term is more generic and often refers to block-printed blends from Madhya Pradesh.