Fabrics of India

India has a rich, diverse and unique textile tradition. Weaving has been an extremely well developed craft form in India from as early as the Indus Valley civilization.India has had strong traditions in the making, dyeing, printing, and embroidering of cloth as is evident from historical records. The array of textiles varies from place to place by factors like geography, climate, local culture, social customs, availability of raw materials etc. The extraordinary range of Indian textiles reflect the cultural richness and adaptability of the country.

A variety of raw materials like silk, cotton, wool, jute etc are used in India for creating fabrics. Though silk and cotton weaving predominates the Indian weaving tradition, wool is also used for weaving in many parts of the country especially in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and North Eastern States.

Most textiles are produced by twisting fibers into yarns and then knitting or weaving them into fabrics. The craftsman does most of the work by hand, but today with modern machinery and textile mills, the process has become simpler and faster than before. Indian fabrics are unique for their excellent workmanship, colours and durability. Interestingly nowhere else will anybody wear the range of colour combinations like the Indians do.

Fabrics in silk, cotton and wool are more in demand inside the country as well as abroad. Every state in India is known for a particular textile, showcasing the lifestyle and culture of that place.