Handicrafts and handlooms: soul of India

The handloom industry dates its carpet back to ancient times. The first Indian handloom fragment was excavated in parts of Egypt. After that, finely woven and dyed cotton fabrics were found in Mohenjo Daro (Indus Valley Civilization). There were a few more excavations that tell of the golden history of the Indian handloom. In fact, the traditional style of handloom has been one of the oldest ways. Even the Vedic literature also mentions the weaving styles of India. Other than this, few examples are seen in the scripts of the Buddhist era of wool rugs as well.

Handlooms have been known in India since historical times. The use of fabrics, techniques created to make designer art pieces and express ethnicity through them has been an integral part of the foundation of India. Its power is such that the handloom industry constitutes about 14 percent of total pre-industrial production and 30 percent of total export business. Well, that’s not all; It is also the second largest industry in India with important segments such as independent electric looms, modern textile mills, handlooms and garments. This made handlooms popular in foreign markets as well and increased their demand.

And in exchange for this, the handloom industry became one of the most important factors for the economic growth of the country. It is well known that all the states of India have the gift of the handloom to offer, which gives them their individuality. Even the texture and style of the fabrics has fascinated foreigners and increased their knowledge of the cultural heritage of India. In fact, our handloom industry acts as a bridge between cultural differences. What makes the handloom industry in India unique is its technology to bring out the beauty of the most intricate designs of all and exemplify the wealth of the country.

The land of India is endowed with handicrafts, so many that you can go on counting. India has been gifted with a unique gift and yet in abundance. Each state, and within it each small village, in India has its own creative interpretation of its indigenous resources, leading to the creation of a piece of crafts that is technically not replaceable or replicable, and that is representative of that region. .

India is and has been on the path to modernization and growth. It is inevitable that it will go global to be a successful and influential economy.

It is imperative that artisans get their fair share and move alongside the nation and its growth curve. Artisans by their very nature are passionate and dedicated to their craft. They are taught to worship their craft and see it as their way of life.

Before imperialism and colonization, all natural fabrics (silk, cotton, and jute) were woven by hand. And Khadi was among the predominant materials at the time. Later, the mechanical system created shapes to more quickly complete the spinning and weaving. After the introduction of machinery, due care was paid to technicalities and finesse came in a better way. This also helped hand weavers, embroiderers, and printers to create new designs. In the time of the British, the cotton and silk export business was also started. This allowed the Indians to show the talent of their experience in other countries as well.

The Handicrafts Sector plays an important and important role in the country’s economy. It provides employment to a wide segment of artisans in rural and semi-urban areas and generates significant foreign exchange for the country, while preserving its cultural heritage. Crafts have great potential, as they are the key to sustaining not only the existing set of millions of artisans spread throughout the country, but also the increasing number of new participants in the craft activity. Currently, handicrafts contribute substantially to job creation and exports.

The quality of the water in Gujarat’s rivers lends vivid colors to its bandhini crafts, and the beauty of these same colors adorn women and men alike to effectively offset the arid desert environment. A good example of perfect balance and perfect harmony between nature, its resources and its consumers.

From the use of hand-spun machines to mechanical advancements, the handloom industry has traveled a long way. With the help of power looms and technology, weavers and embroiderers can perform tedious tasks with great efficiency. To boost this industry, the Government of India has also introduced various schemes for the benefit of weavers, farmers and fabric printers. In general, the Indian handloom industry has a sense of unity in diversity that makes it capable of capturing hearts and senses.

The Indian handloom created a special place for itself in India and abroad as well. With so many varieties of handlooms from different states, India has accumulated a valuable wealth of innovation. After all, this has led to the rise of India as the richest country in culture.