Dohar vs Quilt — What's the Difference & Which Should You Buy?

By Miya Bajaj  |  Sahyansh, Jaipur  |  Home Decor & Textiles

What is a Dohar?

The word dohar literally means "double" in Hindi — and that is exactly what it is. A dohar is made of two or three layers of soft mulmul or cotton fabric stitched together, with no filling in between. It is lightweight, breathable, and airy — almost like sleeping under a cloud.

Dohars originated in Rajasthan and Bengal as a summer bedding staple. In Jaipur, artisans have been crafting hand block print dohars for centuries using natural dyes on mulmul fabric. The result is something that is both beautiful and incredibly practical for the Indian climate.

A good dohar is:

• Light enough to not feel heavy on your body
• Reversible — both sides are usable and often printed differently
• Perfect for summers, monsoons, and mild winters in warmer regions
• Easy to fold, store, and carry while travelling

? Shop our Hand Block Print Dohar Collection — crafted in Jaipur from 100% mulmul cotton.

What is a Quilt (Razai)?

A quilt — known as razai in Hindi — is a three-layer bedding with a filling of cotton or hollow fibre sandwiched between two layers of fabric. This filling is what gives a quilt its warmth, puff, and weight. Unlike a dohar, a quilt is designed to trap heat and keep you warm on cold nights.

Jaipuri razais are world-famous for their hand block print outer fabric combined with lightweight cotton filling. They are warm enough for winter but not as heavy as synthetic quilts — making them a favourite across Indian households.

A good quilt is:

• Warm and cosy — ideal for winter nights
• Available in different weights — light, medium, and heavy fill
• Beautifully printed on the outer fabric with block print designs
• Best used in AC rooms year-round or during cold months

? Explore our Hand Block Print Mulmul Quilt Collection — soft Jaipuri razais crafted by Rajasthani artisans.

Dohar vs Quilt — Side by Side Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Dohar if:

• You live in a warm or humid climate
• It is summer or monsoon season
• You prefer a light, breathable cover
• You sleep in a room without air conditioning
• You want something easy to wash and dry quickly

Choose a Quilt if:

• It is winter or you sleep in an air-conditioned room
• You need warmth and insulation overnight
• You prefer something with weight and puffiness
• You want a statement piece with a beautiful block print design

Pro Tip — Buy Both!

Most Indian homes keep one dohar for summer and one quilt for winter. This way you are covered for every season. At Sahyansh, both come in matching hand block print designs so your bed looks coordinated year-round.

A Note on Fabric — Why Mulmul Makes All the Difference

Whether you choose a dohar or a quilt, fabric quality determines everything. At Sahyansh, we use 100% pure mulmul and cotton — no synthetic blends, no shortcuts. Mulmul is a finely woven cotton fabric that is incredibly soft, gets softer with every wash, and is gentle on all skin types including sensitive skin and babies.

How to Care for Your Dohar or Quilt

Dohar Care

• Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water
• Use a mild detergent — avoid bleach
• Dry in shade — direct sun can fade the block print colours
• Iron on medium heat if needed

Quilt Care

• Dry clean recommended for filled quilts
• If hand washing, usually not recommanded — gently squeeze out water
• Air dry completely before storing to prevent moisture
• Store in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dohar the same as a quilt?

No. A dohar is lightweight with no filling — made of two layers of mulmul or cotton. A quilt has a cotton or fibre filling that makes it warmer and heavier. They serve different seasons and purposes.

Can I use a dohar in winter?

A dohar alone may not be warm enough for cold winters. However, in mild winters or in warmer Indian cities, a dohar with a light blanket underneath works well. For real cold, choose a quilt.

Which is better for summer — dohar or quilt?

A dohar is always better for summer. Its lightweight mulmul fabric allows airflow and keeps you cool without feeling heavy. A quilt traps heat and would be too warm for summer nights.

Are Jaipuri dohars reversible?

Yes! Most Jaipuri block print dohars are reversible — both sides are printed, often with different or complementary patterns. This doubles the look and the life of your dohar.

The Final Word

The dohar vs quilt debate really comes down to one simple question — what season is it? For warm Indian summers and monsoons, a mulmul dohar is your best friend. For cool winter nights or AC rooms, a hand block print quilt is what you need.

At Sahyansh, both come in stunning hand block print designs crafted by Jaipur artisans. Shop the full collection here and find the perfect bedding for your home.