cost

The second world war found Gorkha regiments posted throughout the far east.  One group, families included was sent to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

In Dhaka, they discovered and learned how to weave Dhaka cloth, a form of fine muslin.  In fact the weave was so fine it was reputed that a six yard saree could pass through a ring. The Gorkha brought the dhaka weaving skills back to Nepal at the end of the war.

In Nepal, dhaka weaving has its traditional roots in eastern Nepal. Tehrathum, in the middle of the eastern mountains, became the centre of dhaka production. Dhaka cloth is woven by Limbu women from eastern Nepal, though some Rai women are also involved. The Limbu and Rai, together know as the Kiranti, form one of the largest single ethnic groups in Nepal.

The majority of weavers are women.  Few men weave dhaka cloth. The traditional colors of dhaka cloth are black, white, red and orange, however today many weaves and colours have been introduces to meet market demands. This material is used to make everything from fine clothing to cushions and drapes.

Today there are many craft co-operatives which produce Dhaka.  The Women's Foundation of Nepal teaches dhaka production and marketing to Nepali women.

• What is dhaka? 

• What is the history of dhaka? 

• How is dhaka made? 

• Is there a catalog of the weaver's products? 

• How much does dhaka cost?