Article

History of Indian potli bags along with interesting facts

Topic: FashionPublished November 28, 2011

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Indian potli bags have been in usage since Vedic period for multiple functions. Today, these have become appealing fashion accessories for stylish women as well as for modeling, corporate and promotional events, trade shows etc. Potli Bags are being used in India since Vedic civilization. During the long journey of several centuries, today these bags have got an appealing and tempting look, which make them a must-have fashion accessory for the style-conscious girls and ladies. Indian Potli bags in Vedic period:- Potli was used in Ayurveda in form of today's poultice (cataplasm) for carrying out potali massage. The potli was created filling several herbs in a small cloth. The name of some Ayurvedic medicines are based on potli like Hemgarbh Potli Ras, Ratangarbh Potli Ras etc. Small potli bags with separate strings were used for carrying money like gold coins. While, Large potli bags were used for carrying personal belongings and their four corners were used to tie the knots. Indian Potli bags in Ramayana and Mahabharata period:- As per Ramayana, when Lord Rama went in forest during his exile, his brother Lakshman followed him along with a potli bag, in which he put garments, medicated leaves, fruits and mud of Ayodhya. rnAccording to Mahabharata, Pandavas also used to carry personal belongings in potli bags during exile. Arjuna is also mentioned to hide his potli bag of weapon on a tree, while staying in Virata Kingdom. Indian Potli bags in medieval period:- In addition to herbal potli and money potli bags, masala potli (spice potli), dry fruit potli and several other potlis emerged. In sync with foreign trade on the rise, use of these potil bags also increased. rnLarge as well as small potli bags were used by the travelers, merchants as well as Hindu Saints and Muslim Fakir. They have been portrayed putting a potli under their arm. Indian Potli bags in modern period:- Today's Indian potili bags come in mesmerizing look along with the embellishment of embroidery, sequin, mirror, beads, stones, pearls, diamonds, foil work, fringes, tassels on various cloths like silk, velvet, satin etc. rnPotli bags are attached with drawstring and also called as drawstring bags, drawstring pouches, potli purses, potli pouches, potli clutch bags, potli sack purse and so on. These also come with zip atop. These designer potli bags go well with both Indian and western outfits and are superb for wedding and festive parties as well as for modeling, corporate & promotional events, trade shows etc. rnThe craftsmen of Kutch (Gujarat) make these handcrafted potli bags using eco-friendly material and eye catching artwork. rnPopular writer Gulzar gained popularity with serial “Potli Baba Ki Kahani (Baba's Tales)”. In this serial, a story-teller in form of an old man called as 'Baba' carries in his potli bags various stories, which enjoyed the craze of little children. Potli bags in other countries:- In Australia and New Zealand, large potli bags are being used as money swag bags. rnThese swag bags are also used by foot travelers or swagmen for carrying personal belongings especially bedroll.rnIn these countries, large swag bags are also associated with thieves. Thieves have been depicted carrying plunder or booty in a swag bag hanging from a pole over their shoulder. rnIn some countries, Santa Claus is also portrayed carrying a potli bag (instead of other type of bags) on his shoulder filled with toys and sweets to distribute on Christmas festival. ###rnCraffts.com is an e-commerce portal with exotic and wide range of Indian handicrafts and handmade products. Portal deals in Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Apparels, Accessories, Necklace sets, Bangles, Pendants, Paintings, Wood Art, Decorative, Bed sheets, Table Décor, Furnishing, organic products, herbal products and much more. We cater our products and services to the global masses.

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