Since the days of the Roman Empire, South Indian textile artisans have been weaving, painting, dyeing, and embellishing sumptuous textiles for the courts of kings and the markets of the world. Today, the Indian textile industry is one of the largest in the world, based in part on the quality of Indian cotton grown on the Deccan lava plateau. Indian textile sectors include cotton, silk and woolen textiles, ready-made garments, and jute and coir. Hand-crafted textiles continue to play an important role in daily life and are often associated with specific villages, where family life and the village economy is centered on traditional textile production. The focus of this tour is on these textile traditions and the textile villages where these fabrics are still produced by hand.
Most Indian textile traditions are centuries old, as are the villages, cities, and architectural sites that give them context. Expect cobbled streets, well-worn stairs, narrow alley-ways, and the occasional Indian toilet. We may walk some distances from the bus, sit on the ground, and make demands on knee and hip joints. In exchange, we will see the artisans at their looms, in their homes, and in action. All meals are provided, except four, when you will be given the opportunity to explore on your own. Restaurant suggestions will be provided.
Overview
Trace the trail of Indian Madras Plaids from Chennai (Madras) to their origin in the village of Chirala
o Dakshinachitra, the Williamsburg of South India
o Kanchipuram sari weaving
o Kalamakari painting and printing
o Hyderabad bangle bazaar
o Telia Rumal and Poochampally double ikats
o Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram
o Calico Museum of Textiles
o Mata-Ni-Pachedi painted temple hangings
o Patan Patola double ikat weaving
