Skip to main content

khadi- A Swadishi Fabric of India

Khadi was introduced to the people of undivided India in 1918 in order to achieve self-sufficiency and independence from British textiles. Khadi movement, a socio-cultural narrative, was launched by Gandhiji from the Satyagraha Ashram in May 1915, popularly known as the Sabarmati Ashram, in the Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.

Technically, khadi can refer to any natural fabric that is hand-spun and handwoven, be it cotton, silk, jute or wool. While mill-made cloth is essential to satisfy the textile demands of the Indian market, khadi is a precious craft deeply intertwined with India’s story. More importantly, it is highly sustainable.

History

The word khadhi is derived from khaddar, aterm used for the handspun fabric of India.

The origin of khadhi trace back to Indus valley civilization. Evidence of handspun cotton, which makes khadhi ancient. As the year progressed, it found itself named muslin, chintz, and calico.

Process

Cotton cultivation : cotton balls are picked by hand in the fields.

Cotton fibre is separated by hand using a fine comb. This prepares the fibre for spinning.The fibre is cleaned to remove last traces of dirt. The fibre is spun on a wheel (“charkha”) and is twisted at the same time to make it stronger.
Preparation of yarn : cotton yarn is prepared on bobbins that are easy to transport to weaver’s homes.
Cotton yarn is carried to artisan’s homes and woven into fabric. Woven fabric is sent for dyeing. The dyed fabric is washed and cleaned and is ready for use.

Benefits of khadi in India

Khadi clothing from India may be worn year-round. The climate is mild year-round, with mild winters and mild summers.

As opposed to synthetic materials, khadi does not trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations, making it a great choice for anybody with sensitive skin. Traditional khadi textiles are hand-dyed and woven.

Present

Once the stereotypical uniform of sober politicians and a symbol of self-reliance in India’s independence struggle, khadi is now the darling textile of India’s fashion houses, and is frequently spotted at pop-up shops, art biennales, and on runaways across the country.

Conscious fashion consumers have been quick to adopt khadi denim jeans, and modern brides are making in decadent khadi lehengas in their trousseau.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

what is Ahimsa silk ?-- Eri silk

Silk makes up only about 0.2% of the world’s textile fabrics production. The demand for silk therefore far outstrips the supply and the market is huge. Something is special about the Eri silk that makes the silk called the queen of textile. The charming Eri silk production is unique to the northeastern states of India, unlike other silk, the thread of Eri silk is reeled, shorter, stapled fibers, like a ball of cotton, and is handspun. Eri culture  The rearing of Eri silkworm is known as Eri culture. Eri is also known as Erandi or Endi. The northeastern state of Assam has been the home of Eri silk. It provides economic activities, especially for rural as well tribal women, making Eri culture part of their economy. They utilize their pastime in rearing silkworms and weaving Eri fabrics using their traditional knowledge. Erik silkworms belong to two species namely samiaRicine and philosamiaReine. PhilosamiaRicine silkworm fed on Castrol leaves and i...
2 comments
Read more

An Evolving tradition of Rajasthan - Sanganeri Block print

 A village in the southern part of Jaipur, Rajasthan named Sanganer where the sanganeri block print blossomed. The print is well known for the textile and also for the paper block print.  Hand block print is done in various places and each one adds to the cultural, historical, and geographical influences of the regional variety having a particular style of its own. History It is indicated that the art prevailed since the 12th century but during the 16th and 17th centuries, the craft found its heaven in the sanganer, where it flourished, as the place is ideal with the soft water of Saraswati river, clay, and also desirable for the sun bleach of the fabric. Sanganer is one of the major centers that are highly known for the block prints with bright colors and delicate lines printed against the white background.  During the period of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the patronage of the Jaipur royal family invited Craftsman from Gujarat and Andhra for develop...
Post a Comment
Read more