India has a rich and diverse tapestry of textile traditions that tell captivating tales of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Each thread, each motif, and each color in Indian textiles unravels a story of tradition, skill, and the enduring spirit of creativity. These textile tales not only adorn the people but also connect them to a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The host of this podcast, Pritha is an Instagram content creator focusing on the history and heritage of Indian textiles. She studies the subject from resources at the Victoria and Albert Museum Academy, National Art Library, and the British Library in London. She has been on several handloom and handicrafts trails across India, meeting artisans and documenting their crafts. Pritha grew up in Kolkata and now works as a gynecologist in London.
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India has a rich and diverse tapestry of textile traditions that tell captivating tales of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Each thread, each motif, and each color in Indian textiles unravels a story of tradition, skill, and the enduring spirit of creativity. These textile tales not only adorn the people but also connect them to a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The host of this podcast, Pritha is an Instagram content creator focusing on the history and heritage of Indian textiles. She studies the subject from resources at the Victoria and Albert Museum Academy, National Art Library, and the British Library in London. She has been on several handloom and handicrafts trails across India, meeting artisans and documenting their crafts. Pritha grew up in Kolkata and now works as a gynecologist in London.
Consumers are now increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fashion, and brands are focusing on ways the minimise carbon footprint. But, with concerns around greenwashing, trust and accountability have become real concerns. In this episode, Ms Rashmi Bharti, co-founder of Avani, discusses how they built a craft-based, women-led, social enterprise in remote mountains of Kumaon, uplifting the community while respecting the fragile local ecology.
Interview with Dr Hemlatha Jain, founder of Punarjeevana, who has successfully revived more than 50 lost weaves of India. Her stellar work with handloom of north Karnataka like Patteda Anchu and Gomi Teni, has earned her several leadership awards.
All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA), established in 2004, is a membership based non-profit organization for the handloom and handicrafts sector in India. In this episode, Ms Meenu Chopra, Executive Director of AIACA, talks about their programmes aimed at sustainability, promotion, and advocacy of Indian handloom and handicrafts.
What is muslin? Why is it famous? When did it first appear, and why did it decline? Did the British really cut off the hands of weavers? These, and everything else on muslin discussed in this episode.
In conversation with Neha Suradkar, fashion educator and stylist, about the history of gender-neutral clothing in India, and how contemporary designers are exploring new ideas.
India has a long history of cross-dressing practices. Indian fashion in pre-colonial times was often free of gender norms. This episode explores the heritage of cross-dressing in the subcontinent - from scriptures to films, and challenges the prevalent concept of gendered clothes.
This is the origin story of one of the most loved men’s garments of India, the Sherwani. Contrary to popular belief, it was neither a Rajput, nor Mughal clothing, but a 19th century fashion invention! In this episode textile historian Dr Toolika Gupta takes us through the history of the Sherwani.
Once a firm favourite of European elites, the handcrafted Indian chintz is a textile of legendary repute. Constant protests from British weavers eventually prompted the British parliament to ban its import. But, it could not make it disappear. What followed next? And how did it decline?
Senior textile historian Dr Sarah Fee, senior curator of Royal Ontario Museum joins me, as I discover why chintz is regarded as the cloth that changed the world.
What connects Mysore and a small countryside town in Wales? This episode begins with the lesser known story of Tipu Sultan’s tent, and moves to the trade route of chintz. Chintz industry financially benefited some Indians too, the evidence of which still remains in certain parts of South India. Who were they? And how is Chintz related to the modern Kalamkari? Join me and award-winning Kalamkari artist Srinivas Pitchuka, to find the answers.
The fabric gained popularity in Europe during the 17th century, especially in England, where it became a symbol of luxury and exoticism. Chintz played a significant role in the global trade of textiles and had a lasting impact on fashion and interior design. Explore its interesting journey.
India has a rich and diverse tapestry of textile traditions that tell captivating tales of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Each thread, each motif, and each color in Indian textiles unravels a story of tradition, skill, and the enduring spirit of creativity. These textile tales not only adorn the people but also connect them to a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The host of this podcast, Pritha is an Instagram content creator focusing on the history and heritage of Indian textiles. She studies the subject from resources at the Victoria and Albert Museum Academy, National Art Library, and the British Library in London. She has been on several handloom and handicrafts trails across India, meeting artisans and documenting their crafts. Pritha grew up in Kolkata and now works as a gynecologist in London.
