The timeless weave

Bengal's rich textile traditions have been shaped by its mastery of cotton, silk and jute.

- ANWESHA SANTRA

The cultivation and trade of these fibres once contributed significantly to the region's prosperity, enabling cultural exchanges that influenced apparel and furnishings far beyond its deltaic landscape. Today, Bengal's textile heritage is both a symbol of its past glory and a beacon for contemporary innovation.

The exhibition, "Textiles from Bengal: A Shared Legacy", opened at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity recently, offering an in-depth journey into Bengal's textile heritage. Curated and directed by Weavers Studio Resource Centre (WSRC), the showcase traces the region's rich textile traditions from the Mughal era to the partition of Bengal into West Bengal and Bangladesh. Visitors can explore iconic textile forms such as muslins, kantha, jamdani, Indo-Portuguese embroideries and Haji rumals. Featuring meticulously preserved artefacts from WSRC's archives, the exhibition sheds light on Bengal's global trade history and enduring artistic traditions. The exhibition is open to visitors till 31 March 2025.

A legacy of craft and commerce Bengal's textile history is deeply intertwined with indigenous craftsmanship, European trade and colonial exploitation. The region's famed muslin—so fine it was called "woven air"—was sought after across the world. Bengal's mastery in hand spinning, weaving, and embellishment flourished until British colonial policies led to its decline. However, in recent decades, designers have reimagined these traditions, blending historical motifs with modern applications to cater to both local and luxury global markets. Central to this revival is the expertise in hand-spun cotton and natural dyeing techniques, which continue to uphold Bengal's legacy.