Birbhum, West Bengal

Ilambazar Palm-Leaf Mat

Women of Ilambazar in Birbhum district weave palm-leaf mats with beautiful geometrical designs, arranging narrow strips in magenta, green and blue into a broad repeating pattern. Ilambazar is a census town and traditional weaving and trading centre on the northern bank of the Ajay river, long known as a gateway to the district. The mats are light, durable floor and wall mats typical of rural Bengali craft. A buyer gets a hand-woven mat whose colour bands and join work show the weaver's skill.

Typical price: ₹200-1500

Buying tip: Look for even strip alignment and tight joins; the traditional weaving and trading centre of Ilambazar is the place in the district to find these mats.