The fascinating world of Indian artisanal crafts and textiles has recently received global recognition. UNESCO, in its latest release, has shed light on 50 unique and iconic textile crafts from various regions across the country. This article delves into these crafts, the global acknowledgement of their cultural heritage importance, the initiatives related to textile sector development, and the overall significance of textiles to the Indian economy.
Indian Textile Crafts Recognized by UNESCO
UNESCO’s recent list showcases an array of Indian textile crafts, underscoring the country’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Among these crafts are Toda embroidery and Sungudi from Tamil Nadu, Himroo weaves from Hyderabad, Bandha tie and dye weaving from Sambalpur in Odisha, and Kunbi weaves from Goa. Other crafts featured include Mashru weaves and Patola from Gujarat, Himroo from Maharashtra, Garad-Korial from West Bengal, Ilkal and Lambadi or Banjara embroidery from Karnataka, Kalamkari from Tamil Nadu, and Chamba rumals from Himachal Pradesh among others.
Understanding UNESCO and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Established in 1945, UNESCO, based in Paris, France, aims to develop the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” as a means of fostering lasting peace. Part of its core objectives is the documentation and preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage – practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills recognized as part of a community’s cultural heritage. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, traditional craftsmanship, and knowledge about nature and the universe.
India’s Textile Sector: A Snapshot
Employing around 45 million people, India’s textile and garment industry is second only to agriculture in terms of employment generation. As one of the oldest industries, the sector serves as a storehouse and conduit for traditional skills, heritage, and culture. The sector contributes 2.3% to India’s GDP, 7% of industrial output, 12% of export earnings, and employs over 21% of the total workforce. Moreover, India is the 6th largest producer of technical textiles and the world’s largest producer of cotton & jute.
Unveiling the Textile Sector’s Segments
India’s textile sector can be divided into the organized and unorganized segments. The former consists of the spinning, apparel, and garments segment and employs modern machinery and methods. In contrast, the unorganized segment comprises handloom, handicrafts, and sericulture (silk production) and is characterized by small scale operations and traditional techniques.
A Glance at Initiatives Related to the Textile Sector
Several initiatives have been enacted to upgrade technology and improve infrastructure within the textile industry. These include the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS), the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), Power-Tex India, Silk Samagra Scheme, Jute ICARE, and the National Technical Textile Mission. These initiatives focus on research and development, branding, subsidies, welfare schemes for workers, improving domestic silk quality, productivity enhancement, and positioning India as a global leader in technical textiles.
The Way Forward
Indian textile crafts, revered globally for centuries for their stunning aesthetics, must be safeguarded and promoted amidst the competitive pressures of industrial mass production. Maintaining these traditional crafts as contemporary treasures is crucial. The textile sector holds immense potential that can be maximized through innovation, up-to-date technology, and infrastructural support.
