Comeback of Khatla: How rural heritage finds it way into Dhaka homes

A curious piece of old-world furniture has been resurfacing in Dhaka's trendiest living rooms: the humble khatla. This rope-woven classic is enjoying an unexpected revival, thanks to a couple bringing their Chapainawabganj tradition back to the city with a dose of nostalgia.

Nostalgia is powerful; it stirs memories so cherished that people will go to great lengths to feel them again. That's exactly what happened to businessman Sabbir Ahmed. 

As a child, his grandmother's khatla was at the centre of his happiest moments. So, when he stumbled upon a photo of a similar cot on Facebook one day, he placed an order in a heartbeat.

The khatla that arrived at Sabbir's Dhaka home came from "Sundor," a venture founded by Dhaka-based couple Shyamol Biswas and Sabiha Afsana, who have roots in Chapainawabganj.

Work in progress

Shyamol and Sabihah had no intention to start a business when they first brought an old khatla into their Mirpur apartment. With roots in Chapainawabganj, it felt like a piece of home. What caught them off guard was their guests' reaction – they couldn't help but stop admiring it.

Then came the turning point. In late 2024, Shyamol resigned from his job, tired of the monotony and desperately searching for a new direction. Seeing his restlessness, Sabiha said – Why not build a business around the khatla? 

But starting a business is never easy. Capital was scarce; doubt was plentiful. Still, with just Tk50,000 in bank savings and a shared passion for heritage, the couple stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, and Sundor was born with one handcrafted khatla at a time.

Sundor now features more than 80 designs, with prices ranging from Tk3,000 to Tk15,000, depending on the size, wood, and weaving quality. It is now planning for exports.

Imperfection is its beauty

Sundor's workshop is based in Chapainawabganj, where skilled local artisans bring the traditional khatla to life. From carpenters and painters to weavers and even a separate team for packaging, every hand involved belongs to families who have practised these crafts for generations.

Apart from being called Khatla, the rope-woven cot goes by many names – machia, or charpai. There are distinctions among them, too. "There's a slight difference between a khatla and a machia," explained Shyamol Biswas. "A khatla is larger, suitable for sitting or lying down, while a machia is a smaller version – the name comes from the words macha or machia."

The history of the khatla stretches back thousands of years. Rope cots were part of daily life in ancient Egypt and Rome. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, they were commonly used in households, and during colonial times, they quickly spread to America. Handcrafted, durable, and affordable, these cots were essential furniture for ordinary homes.

Shyamol emphasised the khatla's cultural and spiritual significance: "The khatla is a traditional piece of furniture – it's not that we invented it. Even our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used a rope cot."

Shyamol believes that the modern urban fascination with the khatla comes from a very human instinct. "As we've advanced into modernity, we've moved further away from nature. But there's a global trend now—people want to reconnect with natural elements. In the city, people crave the touch of something real. The khatla has that natural, handmade charm. Slight bends in the wood, tiny knots, uneven rope – these imperfections are its beauty. That's where people feel a connection to nature," he said.

How a Khatla is made

Creating a khatla is a meticulous process that usually takes five to seven days. Every step – from cutting the wood to varnishing, tying the ropes, and weaving – is done entirely by hand.

"We place the utmost importance on the quality of the wood and the finishing," said Shyamol. "Since most of our customers are urban, we design khatlas to complement modern living spaces."

Not all wood is suitable. Sundor uses babla wood for durability. "It's very strong and long-lasting; it's even used for making bullock cart wheels. Another advantage is its visible wood grain, which gives the khatla a unique texture," Shyamol said. 

While some clients request mahogany for its market appeal, he added, "Babla is actually stronger and more expensive, so it's our first choice."

After cutting, each piece is carefully smoothed by hand to eliminate splinters or rough spots. The frame – the backbone of the khatla – is then assembled with precise measurements and expert craftsmanship. Legs are cut to equal height, and the frame is left in the sun briefly to harden the wood further.

The seat weaving is the heart of the khatla. Artisans use cotton ropes, thick nylon, or plastic fibres, weaving first horizontally and then vertically for strength and resilience.

Finally comes the finishing touch. The completed khatla is polished and sometimes lightly varnished or colored in mahogany or brown hues. This not only protects the wood but also gives it a glossy, appealing look.

On durability, Shyamol said, "Many khatlas in Chapainawabganj have been in use for 15 to 30 years. They're entirely handmade, and the quality of the wood ensures they withstand the test of time. We're still new, but we believe Sundor's khatlas will have the same longevity."

Customers crave customisation

Initially, Shyamol planned for Sundor to act simply as a mediator – delivering khatlas from Chapainawabganj to city homes. But a challenge soon emerged. Local artisans had been crafting khatlas in the same sizes for generations, while urban buyers wanted something different.

"We wanted to adjust height or customise parts to the customer's preference," said Shyamol. "But the craftsmen were hesitant. Their families had followed the same methods for generations – any change felt like a hassle."

To tackle this, Shyamol, with a friend and his younger brother, restructured the process. They directly recruited carpenters, painters, and weavers to form a coordinated team, developing Sundor's own design process that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

"Our customers now want khatlas with a personal touch," Shyamol explained. Today, much of Sundor's work is collaborative, created in partnership with the customer.

Customer Tasnim Saiki said, "I was looking for local products for my home and found Sundor. I customised a khatla to my preferred dimensions. These cots, blending heritage and modernity, have quickly become my favourite."

Sundor now offers over 80 designs. Small machia or folded khatlas start at Tk3,000, while larger ones range from Tk8,000 up to Tk15,000, depending on wood and weaving quality. Hand-painted khatlas are also available, each a unique work of art.

Sundor stays true to its heritage

Since launching in 2024, Sundor has received positive customer feedback. Beyond khatlas and machias, they now make chairs, shoe racks, cradles, and sofas, though most demand still centres on the khatla. The team produces and delivers 50-60 khatlas each month, supported by 20 members working tirelessly to grow the brand.

Customer Adnan Nadiv Ayon said, "Handcrafted pieces are never perfect – and that's Sundor's charm. The finishing, varnish, and weaving are exceptional. Exporting such products would boost the country's reputation."

Shyamol Biswas said direct exports are planned, though orders within Bangladesh are fulfilled from Chapainawabganj. Customers can also order via Sundor's social media pages.

Shyamol views the khatla as a nearly lost craft. "Generational khatla making has declined in Chapainawabganj. My grandfather could make one, my father could, but I cannot. We're trying to revive it."

This revival focuses on local design. "European styles still dominate Bangladesh's furniture market," Shyamol adds. "My dream is to build Sundor as a brand that celebrates Bangladeshi heritage, culture, and aesthetics."