The Mashland Mats of Purba and Paschim Medinipur

Mat is a popular item in West Bengal and is used for sitting, sleeping, home decoration, usable product and in religious festivals. The madur plant is a grass reared in the agricultural fields. Its scientific name is ‘Cyperus tegetum Roxb’. The mat is woven on a simple bamboo frame loom and machine loom. The wrap is cotton thread and the weft is a soft thin reed which is called as Madurkathi. Five types of mats are woven which are Single, Double, Folding, Mashland, die stick mat. This handicraft industry is predominantly associated with the agro-based rural economy. Now-a-days, the mat not only prevails in the domestic sphere but it is found in the global arena also. Artisans have diversified their products from mat weaving to other products like multi-use baskets, sofa cover, wall hangings adding to the essence of home decoration. The artisans of the Mashland mats have received honor and fame for their unique creations. In rural areas of Purba and Paschim Medinipur, the Mashland
mat has revolutionized the traditional mat industry. The intention of this study is to highlight the present situation of Mashland mat in Bengal.