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India's textile industry is a living testament to the nation's exceptional artistic flair and deeply rooted cultural heritage. Each region of India exudes its unique textile style, with handwoven silk sarees hailing from Kanchipuram and Varanasi, and Kota fabric among the most celebrated examples. The diversity of fabrics, patterns, and weaving techniques employed in Indian textiles showcases the unparalleled skill and craftsmanship of the weavers. As we embark on country's textiles' journey, here are some cities that continue to ace the artistic legacy of handloom.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is celebrated for its exquisite handloom products, particularly the Benarasi silk sarees, zari embroidery, and brocades. It is a hub for weaving crafts, where skilled artisans weave gold and silver threads into fabrics commonly chosen for Indian weddings. Among the options, you can find the Jamdani weaves featuring vivid patterns on sheer cotton fabrics.
Surat, Gujarat
Known as one of India's foremost textile hubs, Surat boasts a thriving handloom market. The city's expertise encompasses many skills, including yarn production, weaving, processing, and embroidery. A reasonable portion of the population is engaged in producing and trading synthetic textile products. Among the city's prized possessions is the traditional "patola," a double ikat (fabric) woven saree crafted from silk. This elegant artistry has persisted in Surat since its inception, making it an exemplary city for handloom craftsmanship.
Panipat, Haryana
The historic city of Panipat has a bustling community of handloom and textile manufacturers, primarily focusing on home decor items. Many of the city's population is actively involved in the thriving handloom businesses. The list of handloom products from this city includes rugs, mats, bed sheets, towels, and curtains. Home furnishings have found a vast market in Panipat due to abundant raw materials, a skilled yet cost-effective labour force, and a strong presence in domestic and global markets.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Referred to as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow exudes an air of royalty and grandeur. Among its most renowned handloom crafts is Chikankari, a highly esteemed art form. It stands as the primary hub for manufacturing Chikan work fabrics. The intricate Chikankari work adorns various garments and accessories, including caps, kurtas, sarees, and scarves. Immerse yourself in the regal charm of the City of Nawabs and witness the artistic mastery of Chikankari, making your visit truly unforgettable.
Kota, Rajasthan
Kota is known for its bridal fabrics, such as gota patti and silver jewellery. Among them, the Kota weave stands out, a distinctive form of cotton fabric woven with a combination of threads that create an appealing checkered pattern. Besides, the area boasts another remarkable material called Kota Doria, a blend of cotton and silk adorned with square patterns known as khats.
Maheswar, Madhya Pradesh
The region is known for its popular Maheshwari Saris and fabrics, which showcase exquisite designs like stripes, checks, and floral borders. The skilled weavers in this region trace their origins back to Mandu, where they initially wove fabrics for the Mughals. Over time, their craftsmanship gained royal patronage, leading to Maheshwar's flourishing handloom weaving tradition. Throughout history, Maheshwar has been celebrated for producing the finest fabrics in Madhya Pradesh.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The city boasts extensive fabrics, including leather, knitwear, silk, and cotton. Kanchipuram and Arani's fabrics dominate the local market, particularly renowned for their exquisite zari silk saris. The region also hosts numerous handloom silk-weaving industries, showcasing traditional craftsmanship at its finest.
Cover photo credit ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock.com
