The World of Indian Textiles

India is a country of diversities. People from different castes and creeds live in the vast geographical region called India. Likewise, the textiles of India are also diversified. Different regions of India are famous for the production of different types of textiles. This article aims at discussing the main types of textiles produced in different areas of India.

The following are the main kinds of textile products of different places in India, which have been developed on the basis of the geographical location, climatic condition and the culture of the areas:

Muga silk

Muga silk is a beautiful kind of silk produced in Assam. It is mostly used in the production of sarees and ‘mekhla chaddars’ i.e. traditional sarees worn by Assamese brides that are white colored with a zari border. This material is highly durable and strong, though it looks delicate. This type of silk is produced from silkworms called Antheraea assama or muga silkworms. There are several thousands of families in Assam engaged in the production of Muga silk. The patterns traditionally used on Muga silk fabric are inspired by nature and the architecture in the area.

Manipuri cotton

Manipur is famous for the production of cotton fabric, popularly known as Manipuri cotton. Different types of tribal fabrics of Manipur are famous, such as ‘Moiraingphee’, ‘Lasingphee’ and ‘Phanek’. Most of the people in Manipur undertake weaving, which is passed on from one generation to another. Children are taught how to weave since a very young age. The motifs that are traditionally used in these fabrics are inspired by nature. Usually, natural colors are used in these textiles.

Khadi or Khaddar

Khadi, which is also known as Khaddar, is the pride of India. Khadi is cloth that is hand spun and hand woven in India. Cotton, silk or wool or a mixture of these materials is used for the production of Khadi. It is a cloth that can be worn both in summers and winters. The production of Khadi is largely undertaken in the villages of India. Khadi was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi originally as an attempt to create self employment opportunities and to abolish the use of foreign-made clothes. However, Khadi is largely being used in the production of designer apparel nowadays. It has no longer remained ‘the fabric of the poor man’. It is a fabric that is in demand not only in India, but also internationally.

Kashmiri woollen fabric

Woollen fabrics from Kashmir are famous all over India and even in international markets. Kashmir is famous particularly for its shawls. In addition to shawls, Kashmir also produces woollen fabric for draperies and dresses. The Pashmina shawl of Kashmir is world famous. This shawl is prepared from the wool of a wild mountain goat ‘Capra hircus’, which is popularly known as ‘Pashm’. Kashmiri woollen fabrics are one of the most beautiful textiles of India.

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