Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries Notes
Subject Overview
Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries takes students deeper into India's rich textile heritage than Semester 1's introduction — surveying woven, printed/
Subject at a glance
4
Units
29
Topics
4
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Shawls
- brocades (Banaras, South Indian, Baluchar, Paithani)
- Tangail-Jamdani
- the woven sarees of India
Banarasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Gold and silver zari brocade
Kanjeevaram
Tamil Nadu
Heavy silk, contrast border
Baluchari
West Bengal
Mythological scenes on the pallu
Paithani
Maharashtra
Peacock motifs, tapestry-woven border
Jamdani
Bengal, Bangladesh
Fine muslin with supplementary weft motifs
Study guide
This unit studies woven textiles of India: shawls, brocades (Banaras, South Indian, Baluchar, Paithani), Tangail-Jamdani and woven sarees. Learn each by region, technique and signature motif.
- Historical significance
- printing technique
- styles
- colours and dyes and centres of production for Kalamkari
- block printing (Gujarat and Rajasthan)
- Madhubani
- Indian miniatures
- printed sarees
- Worli
- Mata-ni-Pachedi
- Rogan work
- Ajrakh
- Bagru and Sanganer prints
- North East textiles
- carpets of India
Kalamkari
Andhra Pradesh
Pen-painted with natural dyes
Ajrakh
Gujarat (Kutch), Sindh
Resist block printing, indigo and madder
Bagru
Rajasthan
Mud-resist (dabu) block printing
Sanganeri
Rajasthan
Fine floral block prints on white
Mata-ni-Pachedi
Gujarat
Temple cloth of the mother goddess
Study guide
You study printed and painted textiles: Kalamkari, block printing in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Madhubani, miniatures, Worli, Mata-ni-Pachedi, Rogan work, Ajrakh, Bagru, Sanganer, North East textiles and carpets. Make a map of printing centres and techniques.
- Patola
- Ikat and Pochampalli
- Sambalpuri
- Bandhani of Rajasthan and Gujarat
Patola
Patan, Gujarat
Double ikat: warp and weft dyed
Pochampally ikat
Telangana
Geometric ikat
Sambalpuri
Odisha
Bandha tie-dye ikat
Bandhani
Gujarat, Rajasthan
Tie-dye dots
Study guide
You study resist-dyed textiles: Patola, Ikat and Pochampally, Sambalpuri and Bandhani. Understand the difference between tie-dye (Bandhani) and Ikat (yarn resist before weaving).
- Kasuti
- Chamba
- Zardosi
- Applique
- Aari work
- plus field research and documentation of traditional textiles and embroideries
Kasuti
Karnataka
Counted-thread geometric motifs
Chamba rumal
Himachal Pradesh
Double satin stitch: same on both sides
Zardozi
Lucknow, Agra and others
Metallic thread embroidery
Aari
Kashmir, Gujarat
Hooked needle chain stitch
Appliqué
Odisha (Pipli), Gujarat
Cut fabric pieces stitched on
Study guide
You study traditional embroideries (Kasuti, Chamba, Zardosi, applique, Aari) and carry out field research and documentation. Document one craft from a local artisan.
Why Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries Matters
India's textile heritage is a living resource for designers, brands and exporters, and contemporary fashion regularly draws on these crafts.
How to Prepare for Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries
- Build a visual archive of each textile with images, techniques and regions.
- Learn to identify textiles from their motifs and techniques.
- Meet artisans or visit craft fairs to learn directly.
Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ikat?
Ikat is a resist-dyeing technique in which yarns are tied and dyed before weaving, creating patterns with soft, feathered edges.
What is Zardosi?
Zardosi is an elaborate embroidery with metallic threads, sequins and stones, traditionally used for bridal and royal garments.