NAMDA
Namda is widely acclaimed to have been originated during the 11th century when Akbar, the great Mughal ruler was on the throne. History of the period reveals that the king ordered his exchequer to arrange for suitable coverage for his horse who was affected by biting cold. In response to the proclamation that was done on this behalf, a wise old man named Nubi from the east stood up and offered his intention of felt. The man manufactured the felt himself and embroidered the same in multicoloured beautiful designs. The felt so made was given the title of Namda after the name of its manufacturer Nubi. King Akbar is said to have been immensely impressed by the workmanship of Nubi and is said to have granted him villages in honour.
Namdas are a kind of mattress, originally from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These are made by felting the wool rather than weaving it. Low-quality wool mixed with a small quantity of cotton is used to manufacture Namdas. They are usually of two types, plain and embroidered. Formerly, woollen yarn was used for embroidery, but now acrylic yarn (cashmelon) is in use. Namdas are embroidered with thread, which gives colour, beauty and strength to them. This cottage industry is concentrated in Anantnag, Rainawari and Baramula.
The prices of Namdas depend upon their quality of wool, pattern (plain or embroidery), size of the product and the neatness in designs. Far less expensive are these colourful floor coverings made from woollen and cotton fibre which has been manually pressed into shape. Prices vary with the percentage of wool- a Namda containing 80% wool being more expensive than one containing 20% wool.
