India has been a global hub for textiles for 4,000 years. The diversity of fabrics reflects the country's geography and culture.

Famous Textiles

• Cotton (Khadi): Hand-spun and hand-woven; symbol of the freedom movement.
• Silk: Banarasi (Varanasi), Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu), Mysore Silk.
• Muslin: Legendary fine cotton from Bengal ("woven air").
• Wool: Pashmina from Kashmir.

Techniques

• Ikat: Resist dyeing technique (Pochampally).
• Block Printing: Ajrakh, Bagh.
• Embroidery: Chikankari (Lucknow), Phulkari (Punjab).

Timeline

• c. 2500 BCE: Cotton cultivation in Indus Valley.
• c. 1st Century CE: Silk Route trade connects India to Rome/China.
• 17th Century: Indian textiles dominate global trade (Calico).