Swati Sucharita brings you the rich tradition of ‘jhoolas’ from Gujarat

There’s something innately peaceful and relaxed about the presence of a ‘jhoola’, be it in the courtyard, verandah, living room or even the garden of any Indian home. While you might find a variety of ‘jhoolas’ all over India, Gujarat undoubtedly, has a special assortment of ethnic ones with different regional identities; like the lacquer ‘jhoolas’ from Sankheda, the tile-inlaid ones from Bhavnagar, or the wood-carved Saurashtrian swings.

Most ‘havelis’, belonging to erstwhile affluent textile mill owners, or Sheths, still boast of these antique ornate ‘jhoolas’. In fact, many of them are even replicated by blacksmiths and furniture shops with aplomb these days. There are designer swings too.

They come in many shapes and sizes, and the usual practice is to assemble them from an assortment of brass chains (with engraved animal, bird, floral shapes, etc) and seats, that can be made out of the cheaper ‘babool’ wood or the more expensive teak wood; some prefer them in wrought iron. Some of the seats come with reversible sides and some are big enough to double as a reclining hammock, while some even become collapsible cradles!

Some addresses where you can source ‘jhoolas’
FurnisHome, Nr NRI Tower, Judges Bungalow Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad. Tel: 6870512
Shangar Handicrafts, Sadhna Building, Nr Khanpur Post Office, Khanpur, Ahmedabad. Tel: 5603246, 7640918
TDW Furniture Pvt. Ltd., Next To Sundervan, Satellite Road, Ahmedabad. Tel: 8069992
Gurjari, Near Times of India, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. Tel No: 6589505

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