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THE INDIAN HERITAGE OF WEAVING AND TEXTILES 

By Anahita Marker

India is synonymous with images of Saris, silks, embroidery…. All of us in India have been exposed to the tradition of handloom and artisanal weaving. These rich, colorful fabrics add depth to our culture. They define and celebrate our regional differences. People from all over the world pay large sums to own little bits of this heritage.

The Indian Handloom Reservation Act seeks to protect small and cottage industries, where the true artists of India keep our culture alive. This Act is being threatened by industrial interests and there is a petition to repeal the Act. This will seriously endanger the smaller, home and cottage industries workers who will not be able to withstand the competition from such sources. (http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-handloom-reservation-act-more-power-to-skilled-hands/article7170956.ece)

It falls to us all to ensure that this tradition continues and we do not lose our sense of self to larger industrial processes. We need to support the smaller artisans whose products are the true ambassadors of Indian spirit across the world.

Given here are some of my favorite sites, where young designers are trying to utilize traditional material and methods in new and innovative ways. So go ahead! Shop till you drop!

LINKS

Forty red Bangles: http://fortyredbangles.com/contacts/

Queen of Hearts: http://www.qohindia.com/

Contemporary Arts and Crafts: http://cac.co.in/

Gaatha: http://gaatha.com/

Indelust: https://indelust.com/in/?___store=in_storeview

Tjori: http://www.tjori.com/

Safomasi: https://www.safomasi.com/

Asya: http://asyastore.blogspot.in/#!

 ABOUT THE WRITER 

Anahita Marker, a dear friend and colleague is the first of my guest writers. She is an environmentalist and talented interior designer. Besides her creative flair she is an eco-warrior on a mission to make social changes through small but effective everyday solutions.