The people from the Indus valley civilization
laid the foundation of weaving traditions
of our country. Ancient texts and archaeological
findings verify the rich textile tradition
of India. Indian textiles have been popular
abroad since ancient times. The legendary
muslins from Dacca were the high point of
this craft form. Weaving in India has been
conditioned by geographical, cultural, economic
and social factors. A variety of material
like silk, cotton, wool, jute etc is used
by the weavers.
Sari weaving is the main weaving tradition
of India. There is a mind-boggling array
of styles and brocades throughout the country,
which are rich in design and color. Mysore,
Banaras, Surat,
Kanchipuram, Paithan, Chander
etc are some of the important sari weaving
centers. Woven woolen items are also popular
in India. Woolen Pashmina and Shahtoosh
shawls of Kashmir are world famous. Woolen
shawls from Northeastern states and Himachal
Pradesh are also popular. India is known for decorative textiles.
Embroidery is the beautification of woven
material with various types of stitches.
A number of embroidery styles flourish in
India, they not only vary in technique but
also in design and use of fabric. Punjab,
Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are
main centers of embroidery. Appliqué
work is also practiced widely in India.
Gujarat, and Punjab are known for rich appliqué
work. The tribals of Rajasthan, Orissa and
Andhra pradesh also practice this craft
from.
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