Textile Journey

The history of textiles and weavers in India goes back to ancient times, specifically to around 3000 BC during the Indus Valley Civilization. At that time, people in India used cotton they spun at home to make their clothes. Textiles from India were highly sought after in trade, and they were a significant part of commerce during that era. The craftsmanship of Indian weavers was appreciated not only in India but also in markets as far as Rome, China, and Egypt.

Even today, weavers in India are held in great regard and are seen as central figures in the textile industry. India boasts numerous distinct clusters of textile production that captivate people worldwide. These clusters showcase the rich and diverse textile heritage that India has to offer.

In ancient times, the people who farmed the fields in the Indus Valley region are like the grandfathers and grandmothers of today &  modern weavers in India. They were some of the very first people to make cloth out of cotton. We know this because pieces of cotton fabric have been found in a place called Mohenjo-Daro, and experts think these pieces are around 5,000 years old, dating back to a time between 3250 BC and 2750 BC.

So, even way back then, Indians were making cotton fabric, and it was really good. They were so good at it that their cotton fabric was famous in faraway places like Rome, China, and Egypt. People from those places liked what Indian weavers were making, and they wanted to buy it.

The historical backdrop paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by Indian weavers and textile merchants during this period, as they grappled with unfavourable trade policies and the influx of cheaper foreign textiles. These challenges have had a lasting impact on the textile industry &  evolution and the livelihoods of weavers in India, shaping the industry &  trajectory into the present day. One of the critical threats to the handloom industry is the relentless competition posed by power looms and textile mills. This competition places the very existence of traditional hand loom weaving in jeopardy.

 

Recognizing the potential of handlooms in boosting Indian textiles and supporting weavers, the government has actively engaged distinguished fashion designers in this sector. A pivotal step in this direction was the establishment of the India Handloom Brand in 2015. This initiative emphasizes the increased utilization of natural fibres like cotton and silk, aligning with the principles of sustainability.

Collaboration between the organized and unorganized sectors can play a pivotal role in preserving the heritage of handlooms and providing a brighter future for the weavers in India.

 

Seona will not only stand with weavers for their welfare. But will also engage in sustainable fashion and narrate the story of Indian Handlooms and Textiles to the world. Seona will take one to a unique journey of Indian textile through the eye of our weavers. It will not only preserve the heritage and culture of India, but will also leave a legacy of thoughts for the coming generation.