Namda Craft of Tonk: Hand-Felted Woollen Rugs

Tonk is one of Rajasthan's main centres for namda production, hand-felted woollen rugs made without weaving, by compressing raw wool fibres with water and pressure. The craft was introduced to Tonk by Afghan and Central Asian craftsmen who accompanied the Tonk Nawabs in the early 19th century. Namdas are made by spreading carded wool in layers, sprinkling water, then rolling and pounding the mass repeatedly until fibres interlock into a dense mat. Patterns including floral, geometric, and paisley designs are created by embedding dyed wool tufts before felting. Finished namdas are used as floor coverings, prayer rugs, and saddle pads. The craft requires no loom or machinery, making it accessible to households. GI tag protection and craft development board support have helped namda makers access designer collaborations and export markets.