Navalgunda - Hill of Peacocks

Navalgunda is a historic town known for its deep cultural roots and timeless craftsmanship. Its name comes from the Navalgunda Mountain, a serene landmark that holds centuries of stories. At the heart of this mountain stands the Navileshwara Devasthana, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple and the surrounding landscape form an important part of the region’s identity, shaping the traditions, art forms and heritage that Navalgunda is celebrated for today.

Navalgunda, a town with a deep cultural lineage, draws its name from the historic Navalgunda Mountain. At its heart stands the sacred Navileshwara Devasthana, an ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva. This landscape, shaped by heritage, faith and craft, forms the living backdrop for one of Karnataka’s most cherished weaving traditions.

The Navalgunda Dhurries are a celebration of colour, geometry and symbolism. They feature timeless motifs such as the Badi Ghadi double edged diamond, the Nanhi Ghari single edged diamond and the Laheri wave pattern. Designs like Phul the flower, Bhell the zigzag, Chinda the vertical stripe and Chunnat the twill diamond reflect the region’s visual memory and artistic identity.

The Mor or Navilu peacock motif is especially meaningful, honouring the name of Navalgund, often interpreted as the Hill of Peacocks. Patterns such as Dhara horizontal stripes and Pagadi Aata inspired by the traditional Indian dice game enrich the dhurries with cultural layers, transforming each piece into a woven expression of history, storytelling and craftsmanship.

Jamkhans of Navalgunda

This book offers a clear and detailed exploration of Navalgunda Jamkhans, guiding readers through every stage of their creation, from the selection of threads to the intricate knotting techniques practiced by skilled artisans. It documents weaving methods that have been preserved through generations, giving a deep understanding of how this traditional craft continues to thrive.

The book explains the importance of motifs, showing that they are not merely decorative but carry cultural meaning, symbolic value, and connect directly to the heritage of Navalgunda. Readers gain insight into why certain patterns are chosen and how they reflect the beliefs, stories, and artistic intuition of the weavers.

It also includes precise technical details, such as common measurements, sizes, and structural features of the durries created in Navalgunda, making it an essential reference for anyone interested in traditional textiles, Indian craft techniques, or the cultural history of North Karnataka.

By preserving documentation that is no longer available online, Jamkhans of Navalgunda becomes an important archival work. It safeguards the knowledge of this intricate weaving tradition and honours the artisans who continue to keep this rich cultural practice alive.

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