Textile traditions in India is much larger than one would expect in any similarly sized geographical or population expanse. The main reason for this variety is that textile traditions are material manifestations of the large spectrum of separate ethnic sub-groups. Local tastes and patronage may have forced adaptation or mutations giving birth to new variants of the old tradition.
Linked with the textile traditions is the handloom tradition in India, which is complex and ever changing. Many regions are known for producing a certain type of fabric or sari, and that is how most fabrics and saris get their names – from the place they are woven.
The beautiful valley of Kashmir is famed for its shawls – pashmina. Pashmina weaving began some 400 years ago in the Kashmir Valley and was earlier considered the choice fabric of the royal families in India. The holy Ganges dominates the state of Uttar Pradesh and so does its tradition of silk. Varanasi region is the traditional weaving centre of Banarasi Brocades. Banarasi brocade is an interweaving of coloured silk and gold threads to form the most attractive floral designs.
The prosperous state of Gujarat and the princely land of Rajasthan have long been famous for the cultivation of cotton and for the early use of dyes. The textiles in the region have a fascinating range of dyed and block printed fabrics. Block printing comprises pasting of carved wooden blocks soaked in different colours (also vegetable dyes) on the fabric. The most important centres for block printing in this region are Sanganer, Jaipur, Bagru and Barmer in Rajasthan, and Anjar, Deesa, Ahmedabad, Jetpur, Rajkot, Porbandar and Bhavnagar in Gujarat. Tie-and-dye work, in which clothes are tied, either with string or rubber bands into some sort of pattern, is also well-known here. Some of the well- known styles of tie-and-dye works are bandhani, lehria, mashru and patan patola.
Silks of Bengal are acclaimed the world over. The best-known Bengal silk, which carries its legendary name, is the Baluchari sari – a product of exquisite design, and fabulous weaving technique. Bihar is the largest producer of tussar silk in India, Bhagalpur being the paradise for tussar weaving. Assam is the home of several types of handloom silks, the most prominent and prestigious being muga, the golden silk exclusive only to this state and the finest of India’s wild silks.
South India was relatively untouched by the invasions that affected the cultural fabric of the North and hence has over the centuries retained its many ancient traditions of textile. South Indian silk, mainly made into saris, is one of the finest; the designs are traditionally Indian with special stress on borders and pallu (end piece). The towns of Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam and Tanjore are the major centres of silk weaving. The natural silk mainly comes from the Bangalore area (which has ideal conditions for rearing mulberry silk worms) and the zari (gold or silver wrapped thread) from Surat in Gujarat. Cotton weaving is widespread in Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Salem, Pudukkotai, Madurai and Karur.
Upon arrival in Ahmedabad, Transfer to Hotel. Following the hotel check-in, go out for a sightseeing of the Calico Museum of Textiles and various others displaying handicraft items. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Start your day with a road trip to Sayla. Upon arrival in Sayla, have lunch at a textile hotel followed by a visit to the nearby village to see local weaving and beadwork. Later, drive to Gondal, famous for its cottage, jewelry, beadwork and Brassware industries. Thereafter, visit the Naulakha Palace, famous for its exquisite collection of brass utensils, beadwork, silverware and hand-painted wooden toys. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gondal.
Start your day with a road trip to Gir via Jetpur, known for its block & screen printing and textile units. Enroute, visit the famous Junagadh museum famous for its Nawabi textiles and beautiful carpets. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gir.
Today, leave by road for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is famous as the final abode of the Asiatic Lions. Following the game drive in this national park, continue your journey towards Jamnagar, famous for its Bandhini work. Stay overnight at the hotel in Jamnagar.
Today, start your journey towards Anjar city, the center of textile and metal handicraft industry in the Kutch district. Upon arrival in Anjar, you will be transferred to the Resort. Also visit Gandhidam, famous for its marvelous textile market. Stay overnight in the Resort.
On the 6th day, leave by road for Bhuj. En route, visit some tribal villages, famous for their Ahir embroidery, Rabari embroidery and ajrakh block printing. For the rest of the day, explore the markets and monuments of the Kutch region. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kutch.
Start your day with a visit to the local villages of Sodha Rajputs. These villages are inhabited by Hindu (Rabaris and Meghwal Harijans) and Muslim (Jaths and Muthwas) pastoral groups. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Today, start driving towards Dasada, famous for its Bharwad embroidery and Vadiara Rabari. Also, explore the work of local artisans and weavers. Stay overnight at the hotel in Dasada.
Today, set out of your hotel to visit Patan, famous for its double-ikat weaving technique, also known as Patola Silk Weaving. Stay overnight at the hotel in Dasada.
Today, in the morning, leave by road for Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
After exploring the Textiles and Handicrafts of Gujarat, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
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