Home > Society > Costumes in India > Textiles in India
Textiles in India
Textile in India is one of the leading textile industries in the world. It also plays a major role in the economy of the country.

Share this Article:

Textiles in IndiaTextile in India enjoys a rich heritage. The contemporary Indian textile not only reflects the splendid past but also cater to the requirements of the modern times. The rich tradition of textile in India has been favoured by a number of factors.

History of Textiles in India
The origin of Textiles in India traces back to the Indus valley Civilization where people used homespun cotton for weaving their clothes. Rig Veda, the earliest of the Vedas contains the literary information about textiles and it refers to weaving. Ramayana and Mahabharata, the eminent Indian epics depict the existence of wide variety of fabrics in ancient India. These epics refer both to rich and stylized garment worn by the aristocrats and ordinary simple clothes worn by the common people.

India enjoyed a flourishing trade with the outside world on account of its textile products. There was a great demand for Indian textile products in the Roman Empire. Indian silk was popular in Rome in the early centuries of the Christian era. Cotton products, originating from India have been found many Middle East countries. Cotton textiles were also exported to China during the heydays of the silk route.

Textiles in IndiaTextiles in Different Regions of India
Each and every region of India contributes in creating a myriad of textile tradition. The hilly region of the country produces a rich variety of woollen textiles. The Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls of Kashmir, shawls and woollen garments of Himachal Pradesh and other North-Eastern states provides excellent examples of world famous woollen Indian textiles. The barren and semi barren regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat usually prefers embroidered bright coloured textiles. The coastal areas of the south eastern regions prefer light coloured fabrics and particularly cotton and silk textiles are very popular over here. The home furnishing utilitarian textile products like bedspreads and sheets, pillows and cushions, linens and mats, curtains and napkins, carpets and rugs and many such other items are produced by all parts of the country.

Apart from those mentioned, each and every region and state of India has its own distinct individual style in textile. Indian textile industry can be divided into several segments, some of which can be listed as below:

Cotton Textiles
Silk Textiles
Woollen Textiles
Readymade Garments
Hand-crafted Textiles
Jute and Coir

Distinct Style and Tradition of Indian Textiles
Silk and cotton weaving predominates the rich tradition of weaving in India. Silk weaving is most popular in various parts of the country. Assam, Banaras, Mysore, Kanchipuram and Surat are all important centres of silk weaving. All these centres specialize mostly in cotton and silk saree weaving and some of the popular traditional Indian sarees are Banarasi, Patola, Baluchari, Pochampalli, Paithani and many others.

The ornate style of "Applique" most commonly done with bright coloured fabrics from the Kutchh region of Gujarat is very popular in the country as well as in abroad. The state of Punjab is famous for its "Phulkari" work. Lucknow, a city in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its "Chikan" work.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in Costumes in India

Traditional Dresses of Jammu and Kashmir
The Traditional dresses of Jammu and Kashmir have historical significance to them and reflect the very rich cultural heritage of the state.
Traditional Dresses of Arunachal Pradesh
Traditional Dresses of Arunachal Pradesh reflect the ethnicity of the tribal population of the state. With 26 distinct tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, different tribes of this state wear different types of costumes.
Traditional Dresses of Assam
The traditional dress of Assam portrays the culture and essence of the state. People proudly follow the legacy left behind by their ancestors in the form of beautiful and exquisite pieces of traditional clothing worn during indigenous festivals and celebrations.
Traditional Dresses of Himachal Pradesh
Traditional Dresses of Himachal Pradesh are colourful and they vary from region to region, community to community, as well as from tribe to tribe.
Traditional Dresses of Madhya Pradesh
Traditional Dresses of Madhya Pradesh execute diversity in various aspects. Handicrafts and different textile techniques have given rise to a rich diversity of dresses of Madhya Pradesh.
Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya
The authentic and traditional dresses of Meghalaya reflect the cultural and social life of the tribal population of the state. The Khasi, Jaintias and Garos are the predominant tribes of Meghalaya region.
Traditional Dresses of Nagaland
Traditional Dresses of Nagaland mainly comprise shawls which are an extensively used item of the state. It is the most significant item used by the Naga people. The traditional dresses of Nagaland are worn mostly during the festivals.
Traditional Dresses of West Bengal
Traditional Dresses of West Bengal, with their exquisite design and traditional outlook, are appealing. The men’s and women’s wear have their own identity and characteristic features.
Traditional Dresses of Uttar Pradesh
Costumes of Uttar Pradesh are simple yet elegant. The people of Uttar Pradesh wear a variety of native and Western style dresses. They have separate category of costumes for daily wear and occasional wear as well.
Traditional Dresses of Manipur
Traditional Dresses of Manipur are simple and easy to wear. The patterns and designs on the costumes are very unique and colourful. Manipuris are setting new trends with their ancient and original attires.
Costumes of Punjab
Costumes of Punjab breathe vibrancy. Tradition marks the dress of the women:; colourful Salwar Kameez while Kurta-Pyjama or Lungi is worn by men.
Costumes of Bihar
Costumes of Bihar embody the rich cultural heritage of the state. Men don traditional outfits such as the Dhoti Mirjai, Kurta and Pajama, and Sherwani, while women grace themselves with elegant sarees and embellished lehengas.
Costumes of Jharkhand
Costumes of Jharkhand embody the simplicity and elegance of its inhabitants. From the one-piece Bhagwan worn by men to the sarees and Tussar silk sarees adorned by women, these costumes reflect the rich tribal heritage and cultural traditions of the region.
Costumes of Sikkim
Costumes and dresses of Sikkim reflect the youth and the zest that is integral to the people of this state. There are differences in clothing among the three communities of this state namely Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.
Costumes of Tripura
The costumes of Tripura have their own traditional ethnicity. The traditional costumes of Tripura, such as Risa, Rignai, and Rikutu Gamcha, reflect the unique cultural heritage of the state. Skilled weavers create exquisite fabrics with intricate designs and motifs inspired by nature and tribal traditions.
Costumes of Uttarakhand
The costumes of Uttarakhand, a culturally diverse region in the Himalayas, showcase the rich heritage and traditions of its various communities. From the vibrant sarees and traditional jewelry of Garhwali and Kumaoni women to the colorful attires and unique accessories of tribal groups like Jaunsarees and Bhotias, the costumes of Uttarakhand reflect the cultural diversity, distinct identities of its people, and a trend which is suitable to the climate of the region.
Costumes of Andaman and Nicobar Island
The costumes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands showcase a fascinating blend of indigenous tribal traditions and influences from modern settlers. While the compulsion of wearing costume for decency has not yet touched the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands, modern clothing adopted by certain communities reflects the diverse cultural fabric of the islands
Costumes of Lakshadweep
Costumes of Lakshadweep are embellished with magnificent and vibrant colours that communicate love for life of the population of the region.
Costumes of Chandigarh
Costumes of Chandigarh uphold a pleasing medley of rich heritage complemented with stylish modernity. The costumes of Chandigarh also showcase the city`s diverse cultural heritage and the unique beauty of enthnicity.
Costumes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The essence of the costumes of Dadar and Nagar Haveli is ethnic.
Costumes of Delhi
Costumes of Delhi embody the rich cultural heritage of the city while showcasing a unique fusion of traditional elements and modern trends. From the popular salwar kameez and sarees for women to the timeless kurta pyjamas and sherwanis for men, Delhi`s costumes make a vibrant and stylish fashion statement, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the city.
Costumes of Odisha
Costumes of Odisha is reflects the unique culture of the state. Odisha has an ancient culture and popular for classical dance.