Bangladesh strives to revive near-extinct Mughal-era muslin

FILE PHOTO: In this picture taken on January 8, 2022, a weaver uses a handloom to make traditional muslin garments at the Dhakai Muslin Project facility in Narayanganj. - AFP

DHAKA: Bangladesh is undertaking a national effort to revive its legendary Dhaka muslin fabric, once hailed as "woven air" for its ethereal lightness and intricate craftsmanship during the Mughal era.

The tradition of Dhaka muslin weaving, which was exported worldwide, from the Middle East to Europe, vanished nearly two centuries ago due to colonial suppression and the extinction of the rare cotton plant Phuti Karpas.