A Handloom At Every Turn

India’s textile landscape may have been indundated by power looms but many of its towns and cities still pride themselves on their age-old handlooms and handwoven treasures. In this vein, Anurima Das documents some of the many prized handloom towns of the country.

- Anurima Das

India has a diverse history of hand-loomed products. From the opulence of a handcrafted sari to the subtle splendor of weaves, the quintessential Indian handloom is rich and diverse in its offering. The textile industry in India, the second-most important employment-generator in the country, has, over the years, contributed significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Indian economy. India also happens to be the second-largest producer of cotton fiber in the world. All these factors cumulatively draw our attention to the prized handloom. Not only that but at present, the handloom industry has taken on quite a revivalist approach. Every next brand or designer is now willing to unearth age-old handloom traditions of the country, lending it their own interpretations, modern or otherwise. From embracing eco-friendly ways to empowering artisans working the loom, the industry is committed to giving a new lease of life to the handloom sector in its entirety.

Honoring this versatility, we take a look at some of the most prominent handloom towns of India. (This is not an exhaustive list but an attempt to highlight just some of the country’s numerous handloom towns):

SHANTIPUR, WEST BENGAL

The historic town of Phulia in Shantipur—and Shantipur as a whole—is known for its talent and vibrant silk fabrics. Situated in the Nadia district of West Bengal, this town has today become the go-to place for every designer looking to reinvent the finesse of tant. This cotton fabric is known for its feather-light feel and uniform texture. From saris and dresses to soft furnishing, the hand-loomed fabrics of this town are lightweight and can be worn round-the-clock with ease.