Indian Textiles

Indian textiles are as diverse as its culture. The distinctive styles were developed through cultural influences, geographical factors and trade influences. The distribution of deserts, lush forests, mountains and rich river valleys, as well as the integration of cultures brought together by mingling of tribes, have greatly influenced the development of different styles. Interestingly, people in Bengal, eastern part of India, and Kerala, southern part of India, use white as the dominant color. Meanwhile, the desert belt, stretching from Kutch and Kathiawar in Gujarat to Rajasthan and parts of Haryana, has an incredible mix of numerous vibrant colors.

The handloom cloth is unmatched in elegance and style. Traditional Designs in Handloom cloth are either woven in or printed after the cloth is woven. History testifies that the cotton muslins in India were so fine that the Romans called the material textalis ventalis or 'woven air'. The cloth was also called 'evening dew', as it was indistinguishable when spread over grass; or 'sharbati', because of its cool feel on the skin. It continues to be produced today in places like Ponduru in Andhra Pradesh and Madhubani in Bihar.

The tradition of printing on woven cloth too is of great antiquity in India. Printing is done by using wooden blocks, by covering portions of the cloth intending to be coloured with wax, clay, gum, raisin etc. The cloth is subsequently dyed and the colors do not penetrate the covered areas. Fabrics are decorated with embroidery and applique work too. Indian cloth is also famous for works like 'chikan' and 'zari'.

Newsletter