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Writer's pictureSejal Naik

IND-B&D- (Interiors) - Indian Textiles

Updated: Jul 22, 2022

B&D- (Interiors)- Indian Textiles


The Reference sites are:



The textiles covered are:

  1. Khadi

  2. Paithani

  3. Ilkal

  4. Kanchipuram

  5. Kunbi

  6. Bandhani

  7. Phulkari


1] Khadi

Khadi is a Hand-spun and Hand-woven fabric. Usually people misunderstand that Khadi is only made up of Cotton fabric. But it is not so, Khadi is also woven using Silk and Wool. Khadi has played a vital role in providing employment to the people of India. The fiber is converted into the yarn using Charkha (a wheel-like machine to convert fiber into yarn) and then woven using a loom. Khadi is light, breathable and skin friendly fabric. The cotton Khadi is popularly known as Muslin. Khadi is appropriate for Indian climatic conditions as it makes the wearer feel warm in winters and cool in summers. It provides air ventilation and is sustainable.





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2] Paithani

Paithani derives its name from the small village in Maharashtra known as Paithan, where it originated. Paithani has a legacy of 2000 years and was patronized by the Satavahana dynasty. In ancient times Romans imported Paithani in exchange for gold. Paithani has a great significance in Maharashtra and all around India. It is woven using natural Silk and precious Gold and Silver. Initially Paithani was made up of Natural silk and high quality Golden treads known as Zari. The motifs used in making of Paithani are Peacocks, Parrots, Lotus etc. Natural dyes are used to stain the fabric which gives a rich and royal look to it. The Tapestry weaving technique is implemented where warp and weft threads are woven together using handloom. This technique helps to have a control over each tread and hence each Paithani is different and unique in itself.






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You may buy Paithani saree from: https://kalakshetra-paithanisarees.com



3] Ilkal

Ilkal also known as Irkal in Marathi, originated in the small village of Karnataka known as Ilkal. It originated during the 8th century AD. Ilkal received patronage from local rulers and hence is popular in neighboring states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Ilkal was the ancient weaving center. The key feature of this textile is that body wrap and Pallu wrap is prepared separately and then joined together with a technique locally known as Tope Teni. Main body of the saree has the striped, rectangular, square or plain patterns. The red colour with white patterns on it are used for making pallu. It has patterns such as comb, ramparts of fort, mountain range etc.








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4] Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram also known as Kanjivaram derives its name from Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram silk has always been the first choice of brides in India, specially in South India. The two weaving communities named Devangas and Saligars migrated from Andhra Pradesh to Kanchipuram during the reign of Chola king Krishna-Deva-Raya. Hence the silk textile flourished in Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram textile is made from high quality silk extracted from Mulberry worms. Zari (Gold or Silver threads) work is prominent in this textile. Initially it was made up of 9 yards but later reduced it to 6 yards without losing its quality.






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5] Kunbi

Kunbi is the Oldest Tribe in Goa. Kunbi word literally means Kun means family and Bi means seed. Kunbi saree was woven by the Kunbi community in Goa. It is the red coloured saree with horizontal and vertical lines on it forming a checked motif. It served the functionality and comfort to the Kunbi women working in the paddy fields. It is draped till the knee. The red colour represents buoyancy and vitality whereas the white horizontal and vertical lines represent the creative forces of nature which when met together form a sacred block space. Hence this saree carries much significance in the Kunbi culture.




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6] Bandhani

Bandhani derives its name from the Sanskrit work bandh means to tie. Bandhani was started by the Khatri community of Gujrat. The earliest mention of Bandhani dates back to the era of Indus valley civilization. Bandhani is more popular in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The technique of tie and dye is used and hence justifies the name. The cloth is tied tightly with tread and various points and dyed forming various patterns like Chandrakala, Bavan Baug, Shikari etcetera; depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied. The prominent colours used are yellow, green, blue, black and red.






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7] Phulkari

Phulkari is a Punjabi term where Phul means flower and Kari means work. It means floral work. It originated in the 15th century by the women of Punjab. It is woven by the women for themselves or their family members. Silk threads are woven on the opposite side of the cotton fabric known as khaddar. The colours used are bright and vibrant in nature. Initially Phulkari was done using Real flowers, Silk and Mulmul fabric. The different motifs used are rolling pin, moon, cucumber, trees, flowers, animals, seven colours etc.







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You may buy Phulkari material from: https://punnjab.com


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