Evidences of weaving practiced in India are found in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata that speak in length about the craft. Needles of bone and woven cotton are seen in ancient civilizations of Mohan-jo-daro, and Harappa. Even ages before, Indians exported huge quantities of cotton and silk to other countries. Pieces of cotton fabrics were discovered at the Egyptian tombs at Fostat. Huge quantities of silk fabrics were exported to China, and Indonesia. Cotton and chintz fabrics were also exported to Europe and Far East.

 

Types of Weaving Traditions in India:

• Rural: This portrays the images of a rural life with figures of plants, flowers, people and animals. Designs are simple and sober.
• Classical: This theme revolves around the royal life which symbolizes the patronage of the kings and other royal people. Designs are created with elegance and style.
• Tribal: This weaving is mostly made from simple bamboo looms, and is used by tribal people. Designs exhibit bold geometric patterns and are in strong, vibrant colors. Patterns speak of the tradition and culture of the people in that geographic area.

 

Influence of Mughal rule in Indian Handlooms:

 

The period of Mughal rule in India, had a considerable influence on the weaving pattern, designs and colors used. Persian motifs like tulips, iris, and fruits were used in Indian traditional weaves. Hues of Persia like dusky pinks, turquoise blues and emerald greens found their way into Indian weaves during the rein of the Muslim emperors. Their courtrooms were filled with people in resplendent royal robes with heavy zari works. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had an over whelming passion for 'Jamdani' fabrics, that the fabric was even known as 'Aurangzebi'. Benaras, the delicate cotton muslin, which is globally admired for its finely woven texture was very popular during the Mughal era. This is adored as the 'King's Muslin'. It is believed that when Buddha died, his body was wrapped in this muslin fabric.

 

Indian Handloom Sector:

 

This sector is the second largest rural employment provider in India, next to agriculture; providing direct and indirect employment to more than 30 lakhs craftsmen. It contributes to 23% of the total cloth produced in the country. An NGO survey states that there are more than 38, 00,000 handlooms in the country. There are approximately 15, 00,000 domestic handlooms in the north-eastern states. Andhra Pradesh has almost 3, 20,000 handlooms. In Andhra, 5, 00,000 families are directly, and 20, 00,000 families are indirectly involved with the handloom industry. Major centres are concentrated in coastal Andhra, Telangana, and Rayalseema.

 

Handloom products from India enjoy international reputation and have a good demand in the global market, contributing a significant portion of the nation's GDP. Sheer love of handloom products, its cultural richness and heritage, and exquisite designs and patterns have brought this industry into global spotlight. Apart from this, there are many other sectors like financial, marketing, maintenance, and transportation services that benefit from the handloom sector. Handloom centres also serve as tourist spots attracting a large amount of foreigners. Thus tourism industry is also indirectly benefited.