Traditionally after agriculture, the textile industry is the largest spanned industry in India. It is the largest employment generating sector.
From cotton to silk all kinds of textiles are manufactured with intricate patterns
and eye-catching colours.
History
The history dates back to the Harappan civilization, archaeological surveys show that people of Harappan civilization were familiar with weaving and spinning of cotton.
Not just within the subcontinent but Indian textiles are imported throughout the
world. During the medieval era, Indian silks were often bartered for spices.
Bengal cotton textiles were the most important manufactured goods in world trade in the 18th century, consumed across the world from the Americas to Japan.
Cotton, jute and silk were greatly produced and highly valued in and outside the subcontinent. All the sea routes and trade routes were busy carrying Indian textiles.
Cotton
In the early years, the cotton textile industry was mainly located in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Availability of a lot of resources led to this localisation. There are about 2000(approx.) cotton textile mills in India. A committee has been established under the ‘textile committee act 1963’, which sets the quality standards for textile manufacture. The cotton textile industry is considered the second most developed sector in Indian textile industry. Cotton is used in making many other fabrics. With various proportions it is used to make
some amazing fabrics.
Fabrics made with cotton are also known for their breathability, durability, strength, comfort, and stylishness – making them a popular choice for everyday wear and fancy apparel. Cotton is increasingly seen in top-quality baby and feminine care products.
Silk
India is the second largest producer of silk of the world. Various varieties of silk are produced with different species of silkworms like Mulberry, Eri, Muga, Tropical Tasar and Temperate Tasar. It is a very expensive industry. Silk sarees have a great demand in the domestic markets. Mulberry silk is the most popular variety of silk produced in India, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Jammu Kashmir being the major raw silk producing states.
There are quite considerable challenges for the Indian silk industry, yet it is one of the largest producers. Muga silk is a very expensive variant of silk.
Jute
India is the largest producer of jute products. It is also the third largest exporter of jute. The production process in the Jute Industry goes through a variety of activities, which include cultivation of raw jute, processing of jute fibres, spinning, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, finishing and marketing of both, the raw jute and its finished products.
Jute is in great demand because of the cheapness, softness, strength, length, lustre, uniformity and specially for eco-friendly of its fibre. Jute fibre is also used to manufacturing men’s shirting materials and women’s sarees, salwarkameez material. The trending linen fabric also comes from jute.
