Textiles

…an important tradition

The importance of textiles has been an ongoing part of Indian history dating back thousands of years. Not only are they an important part of the life and traditions of the Indian people, their popularity outside of India can be traced as far back as the ancient tombs of Egypt and in the trade history of medieval Europe.

Pieces of Indian cottons have been found in the tombs of Fostat in Egypt and silk fabrics were a highly prized barter item in 13th century Europe. Four centuries later the British East India Company capitalized on these valuable hand-made treasures and began a very profitable business shipping Indian silks, fine muslins, and colorful cottons all over the world. The quality, intricate beauty, and rich colors made them popular items with people in all corners of the globe.

Colors to Captivate the World

This popularity, then as now, comes from an appreciation for the intricate skills and traditions that go into these products. Very early in their history, Indian craftspeople developed a palette of vivid, brilliant colors, unique in the world for their sheer audacity and rich intensity. Meticulous trial and error led these early artisans to discover pairings of vegetables dyes and special mordants to hold the rich colors, long before their medieval cohorts in Europe. Recipes in hand, they captured the hearts of far-off consumers with sumptuous fabrics made all the more precious by their long journeys to market via camel or sailing ship.

Along with dye techniques, these textile pioneers created varying forms of adornment for their fabrics and clothing. Intricate beadwork, gold threaded embroidery, and special fabric printing techniques allowed them to reach ever further towards their ancient spiritual quest for perfection.

Tradition Today

Today’s Indian craftspeople have a strong tradition behind them. By infusing their techniques and imaginations with new possibilities, they are ensuring their timeless handicrafts will always be fresh, new, and exciting for each successive generation to embrace.

If you are interested in more information on the role of textiles in India, past and present, we suggest the following books and Web sites:

Traditional Indian Textiles by John Gillow by Nicholas Barnard (Contributor); Thames & Hudson, 1993
Woven Cargoes: Indian Textiles in the East by John Guy; Thames & Hudson, 1998
Costumes and Textiles of Royal India by Ritu Kumar; Christies Winds Publications, 2000

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