Having enticed the poets of the Mughal court, the fine weave of mulmul inspired the 14th-century Sufi poet, Amir Khusrau to describe it as –
“A hundred yards of it can pass through the eye of the needle, so fine is its texture, and yet the point of the steel needle can’t pierce through it easily. It is so transparent and light that it looks as if one is in no dress at all and has only smeared the body with pure water.”
Mulmul the muse: Origin story
The sultry weather of the Gangetic Bengal delta persuaded the gifted weavers to make a fabric so light and fine that poets called it bafthawa (woven air), aberawan (running water), and shabnam (morning dew). While we can’t point out exactly when the production of mulmul began, but historical references from ancient texts make us believe that mulmul was brought to life about a thousand years back.
It eventually emerged as one of the most valued export commodities. And, Dhaka became the center of global mulmul trade.
The wonder gossamer fueled a revolution when weavers suffered irrevocably at the hands of the British Raj. Multiple, rather inhuman, attempts were made to irradiate the craft of weaving mulmul to make way for commercially produced fabric. But, mulmul stood the test of time and its charm has reached every corner of the globe.
Mulmul in the modern era
Thankfully, the art of weaving mulmul was preserved well and has permeated through generations of weavers, especially in Bengal and Odisha. What was once a luxury enjoyed only by the royals has become much more accessible today. You can literally go mulmul kurtis online shopping from the comforts of your couch. NOW!
At Kessa, we have traveled all across Bengal and Dhaka; through dingy lanes that echo of nothing but the flying shuttles of handlooms. We came along communities that are struggling to stay afloat as consumers choose the route of fast fashion. Failing to appreciate the age-old craft and quality of mulmul.
So, we collaborated with these weavers to bring you the crème de la crème of fabrics – Mulmul.
5 reasons to invest in Mulmul this summer
- The fabric, lighter than a feather, catches every gush of summer wind to keep you cool and comfortable even when the mercury soars high.
- Its natural moisture-wicking property soaks up perspiration in an instant and keeps you dry even on the hottest summer days.
- The fine fabric gets softer with every wash without losing its durability.
- It is hypoallergenic, meaning, Mulmul will not irritate even the most sensitive skin.
- The breathable fabric does not trap body heat and lets you stay fresh and cool.
Tips and tricks to take care of Mulmul
- Use a gentle detergent in the laundry to retain the softness of mulmul clothes.
- It is best to use cold water to wash the fabric.
- Avoid using the dryer to dry the delicate material. Instead, lay the garment flat in shade and let the air and subtle sunlight dry it out.
- Iron out the wrinkles for a polished look.
Wondering where to buy kurtis online tailored out of premium mulmul? Visit us at https://www.kessa.com/.