When it comes to fashion, it has a history beyond the data and the words. Fashion or “Clothing” as I will be refering to in this perticular blog, is and was one of the necessities listed as, अन्न, वस्र, निवारा…. Thats in English, Food, Clothes and Habitat.
Let’s concentrate on वस्र..or as its said, Clothing.
India, was always on the top of the list for the whole world, when it came to culture and heritage. Our country was always on the top list of many rulers as well, because of its rich living culture. As we were ruled by Mughals for many years, Indian culture of food and clothing, has amalgamated with the intricate Mughal art. For many years, people of these 2 heritages has amalgamated their livings with each other.
However, though there were many years of ‘rulling’ over India, India has been true to its own genes or I must say, its own heritage. We were always good learners , and so we have learnt everytime we got ruled by someone. We learnt their art, their food, their culture…but still we have never given up per own !!!
There is a line in Sare jahan se accha, hindostan hamara. It says;
कुछ बात है कि हस्ती मिटती नहीं हमारी
सदियों रहा है दुश्मन दौर-ए-ज़माँ हमारा
It says, there is something in us, which makes us alive even in those many years of rulling by others!!
That something, is the Purest Souls we have since the origin of Hind !!
Talking about the Hind, we have to talk about the Indus Valley Civilization. This was the crux for the origin of many textiles and arts. This civilization has many arts and textile history attached with it, which we will be discussing in Textile specific to areas.
Indus Valley Civilization Map
As the history tells us, the Clothing and the textiles in India were always fascinating. There were many hidden talent in smallest of the villages.. The clothing and the clothes or the textiles made were always dependent on the geographical conditions. The art of the printing, painting or embroideries were and still is, geographical.
The patterns and designs of clothes…or what we say the Fashion of the garment is also culture related and geographically influenced.
Each state and each area in India, creates very unique patterns in terms of printing, painting embroideries and weaves.
History of Textiles in India, goes back to ancient times..and has been presumed that India was one of the earliest regions in the world to have perfected the art and craft of weaving. India still has over 120 distinct weaves.
Having said that, let’s go into the details of what India has in its own palms ! We will be going through just the breif and the basics of each state’s textile weave and or printing and painting techniques in upcoming session.
Kapaas Sustain 