''Tanzeb'' was another variety of

muslin Muslin () is a cotton fabric of plain weave. It is made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. It gets its name from the city of Mosul, Iraq, where it was first manufactured. Muslin of uncommonly delicate handsp ...

with a reasonably fine weave structure commonly used for chikan embroidery. The cloth was purposely woven in specified lengths, for instance, 19-20 yards for the convenience of embroidery work and subsequent usages like Dupattas and pieces for garments such as Angarkhas.

Meaning

Tanzeb means what adorns the body. It is a combination word where Tan means body, and Zeb refers to an ornament. Hence the cloth was known for decorating the body.

Origin

Tanzeb was originated in the second half of the eighteenth century during the reign of Āsaf al-daulah.

Production

Raebareli district Raebareli district is a district of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. The city of Raebareli is the district headquarters. This district is a part of Lucknow Division in Uttar Pradesh state. The total area of Raebareli district is 3,371 S ...

and the town of Jais were reputably manufacturing Tanzeb.

Use

Tanzeb used for various

headdresses Headgear, headwear, or headdress is the name given to any element of clothing which is worn on one's head, including hats, helmets, turbans and many other types. Headgear is worn for many purposes, including protection against the elements, de ...

and garments such as caps, turbans, angrakhas, and handkerchieves. Tanzeb was among the various cotton qualities exported to

England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...

References

Woven fabrics {{textile-stub