OT Interview: Artisan Manju Devi Of Jaipur Rugs Explains Her Award-Winning Carpet-Making Process

For a little over four decades, Jaipur Rugs has transformed the carpet industry by creating an entirely new business model, one that works directly with artisans and enables them to live a sustainable livelihood. Their trademark quality and design have won international awards and reinvigorated a 2,500-year-old weaving tradition which prioritises sustainability and design to suit contemporary sensibilities.One of the artisans whose work frequently garners praise is Manju Devi. She has been weaving rugs for nearly two decades now and specialises in creating “Aas Paas” rugs, drawing inspiration from the motifs and patterns that she sees in her village such as the rustic patterns on the chulha (traditional gas stove) and the painted walls. In a stroke of genius, she has also used cow dung in her work based on the rural Indian practice of covering the floors and walls of a home with the material to keep them cool.With a supportive family to cheer her on, Devi explains her creative process and how she overcomes challenges.Can you tell us about the specific motifs and patterns on the “Aas Paas” rug and how they reflect the traditional elements you see in your village, such as the chulha and painted walls?“Aas Paas” encapsulates the essence of my village life where traditional practices have been preserved for centuries. Growing up in a traditional Indian village, I have been surrounded by rich customs and [a] scenic beauty that have always influenced me. The motifs and patterns on the “Aas Paas” rug reflect these elements.The traditional cooking stove known as the chulha symbolises the centre of our home where meals are lovingly and carefully prepared. Our painted walls and floors [covered] with cow dung symbolise our connection to nature and the simplicity of life in [the] village. The rug also captures the mountain ranges and how they are so lush during our beloved season [of the] monsoon. Flowers, which I love growing not just for their beauty but also for their significance in temple offerings, are subtly woven throughout the rug, serving as a central motif. My favourite colour, purple, plays a significant role in my creation, [too]. Despite not having purple yarn initially, I sought it from other weavers in the village to incorporate it into the rug, ensuring that it represents not only my surroundings but also a part of me.You weaved cow dung into the rug. Could you elaborate on how you incorporate this traditional material into your weaving process and the benefits it brings to the rug?When I saw the brown-coloured yarns in my colour palette, the first thing that came to mind was cow dung. In our village, we prepare cow dung cakes by hand, and it's an integral part of our daily lives. The brown colour woven into the rug in a hazy pattern represents how we fill the cracks that appear on the walls and floors of our homes with cow dung. I've incorporated this element in the same way using yarns, reflecting a significant aspect of our traditional practices.What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a weaver and how did Jaipur Rugs help you overcome them?As a weaver, some of the biggest challenges I faced were the uncertainty of consistent work and the struggle to sustain my family's livelihood. Jaipur Rugs helped me overcome these challenges in several ways. They provided a stable source of work which brought financial security and peace of mind to my family. The training and support from Jaipur Rugs improved my skills and introduced me to innovative techniques, making my work more efficient and refined. Moreover, Jaipur Rugs connected us to a global market, ensuring that our craftsmanship received the recognition and fair compensation it deserves. Their continuous support and encouragement have empowered me to transform my art into a sustainable and rewarding livelihood.How has your association with Jaipur Rugs influenced your weaving practice and what opportunities has it provided for you and your family?I have been weaving for the past 18 years and through my earnings I am able to educate my children and take care of my household. My association with Jaipur Rugs has opened doors [that] I never imagined. Because of my craft, I have had the opportunity to travel to many places and my work has won prestigious national and international awards. These include the IDA Award in 2020, the BW Future of Design Award in 2019, the Kyoorious Design Award (Blue Elephant) in 2019, and being shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards in 2019.This journey has been made possible by Jaipur Rugs and the immense trust they place in us, a trust that we sometimes cannot even see in ourselves. Through Jaipur Rugs, I have transformed from a weaver into an artist. The “Manchaha” initiative has taken me to places I could never have imagined, allowing the world to appreciate my art.All I have is gratitude and love for my work. The company has helped me fall in love with my craft and for that I am deeply thankful.How has your husband's support and involvement in weaving influenced your work and what does it mean for you to share this craft with him?My husband played a significant role in the creation of this “Manchaha” rug. He was my constant guide and support, always there to help me whenever I encountered difficulties in the process. His presence and assistance were invaluable, and he shared his insights and knowledge with me, making the creation of this rug a collaborative effort.