Virasat
Artists At iTokri
Maheshwari Sarees
from Madhya Pradesh
Bagh Prints Fabrics
from Madhya Pradesh
India is a land where history and culture are intertwined seamlessly, and the influence of it is pretty visible in every art form. Madhya Pradesh, a state of a rich heritage with a unique position in the world of textiles, shows off its beauty through fabrics that are found nowhere else. Since the 5th century or before that, a variety of print, weave, dye or thread work has been birthed in different corners of the ‘Heart of India’. These finest arts have reached their current state of craftsmanship brilliance and form of artistry by innovating, and modifying through generations of artists. Amazing, right? So let’s take a ride through the diverse and mesmerising world of Madhya Pradesh textiles where handmade fabric work is no less than a masterpiece.
Textile Industry of Madhya Pradesh
When synthetic colours, materials, fabrics and factory-made, uninspiring clothes are stacked in our wardrobe, textiles of Madhya Pradesh give birth to exotic clothing pieces like the ones found in iTokri. Welcoming the stunning clothing essentials made of fabrics originating from Madhya Pradesh gives your wardrobe the revamp that you always crave.
While each part of Madhya Pradesh takes credit for keeping alive the marvellous textiles of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is the hub for cotton textiles. The industry not only caters to domestic demands but has also extended its mark on the international textile industry.
Famous Textiles of Madhya Pradesh
While MP textiles include a list of more than 5 fabrics in turning it into the megacorp, the most famous ones are here listed below:
Handwoven Fabrics
While we all are in love with handwoven fabrics, artists from Madhya Pradesh are masters in this craft. The beauty of Madhya Pradesh textiles is alive under the tight grip of skilled local artisans from quaint villages and hidden cities. Their hands create stories in each of the clothing items that came into existence by weaving threads into intricate patterns. The handwoven fabrics of the state are not just products; they are the authentic proof of traditions and cultures passed down through generations.
Chanderi Fabric
One of the most popular handloom works in Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi fabric came into existence by the textile art originated in Chanderi, a town in MP. Lightweight and sheer, there are very few fabrics that can compete against Chanderi fabric for its fine texture and luxurious feel. It's the glorious outcome of a delicate weaving technique that involves the use of raw yarn. Made of cotton and silk, it is a fabric that's not just clothing but a statement of elegance. The sheer, feather-light fabric is of such quality that even King Akbar fell in love with it.
Maheshwari Silk
Maheshwari silk, named after the town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh is a remote area where modern technology has not looted the elegance and charm of handloom clothing. It’s the section of MP where the state's mastery in silk weaving comes alive through exotic sarees. Known for its impressive borders and pallus, the creation of Maheshwari silk sarees is not as light as the sarees feel. The mixture of silk with cotton is the enchanting result of the artist's craftsmanship that gives the saree its sheen and texture. The weavers, with nimble fingers and a thorough understanding of fabrics, textiles and the craft, create truly timeless pieces.
Hand-Printed Fabric
Whenever you are awestruck by the Indore cotton textile industry, remember that hand-printed fabrics play a great role in it. Stepping into Madhya Pradesh is similar to booking a joyride around the nooks and crannies of history. It’s not only the ruins that take you back years ago but even the art that you cannot take your eyes off also takes you back more than a thousand years ago. The handwoven fabrics are a canvas of colours and designs to take the shape of hand-printed fabrics. The artists use wooden blocks or screens to imprint motifs and patterns on the fabric. The popular hand-printed textile style is bagh printing.
Batik Printed Fabric
Ujjain, the holy city of Madhya Pradesh is also the only place in India that made batik printing mainstream. A popular textile work that decorates sarees, kurtis, bedsheets, bed covers, cushion covers, kurtas and many more clothing essentials comes into play by dying and printing on the fabric directly using a pen-like instrument. Some amazing batik fabrics listed on iTokri are 2pc Hand Batik Printed Maheshwari Silk Handloom Suit Material Set, Hand Batik Printed Cotton Bandana, Bengal Kantha Hand Embroidery Batik Printed Tussar Silk Handloom Saree, Handcrafted Quilted Batik Multipurpose Pencil Pouch, Hand Batik Printed Cotton Cushion Cover (16 x 16 in), Set of 4 - Hand Batik Printed Cotton Table Napkins (18 x 18 in) and others.
Bagh Printed Fabric
A discussion on Indore cotton textile industry remains incomplete without mentioning the Bagh print, a traditional handmade textile art from Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Originating near the Bagh river, this hand painting technique on fabrics include pre-printing, printing and post printing. Using colours and chemical properties found in the river, this printing technique produces black and red hues that are prevalent in every Bagh printed clothing item. However, with the help of modern technology, the colour of bagh printed clothes is not restricted to only black and red anymore.
Mostly printed on cotton and silk fabrics, the Bagh painted fabric materials are soft against skin and popular all over India. Some of the most purchased bagh items on iTokri are Bagh Block Printed Chanderi Silk Handloom Dupatta, Bagh Hand Block Printed Pure Woolen Stole, Brown - Bagh Hand Block Printed Cotton Long Kurta, Bagh Block Printed Cotton Single Bed Cover with Pillow Covers (94 x 64 in), 3pc Bagh Block Printed Natural Dyed Cotton Suit Material Set, Bagh Hand Block Printed Chanderi Silk Saree and more.
Artisans Behind the Famous Fabrics of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh's textiles owe their charm to the artisans who breathe life into them. While the artists are spread across the state, these unsung heroes pour their heart and passion into them to ensure every piece of fabric becomes a masterwork.
Motifs of MP Fabrics
The popular motifs in Madhya Pradesh fabrics are peacocks, geometrical patterns, fish, birds, lace, flowers, trees, vines, and endless others.
Future of MP Fabric in Domestic & International Markets
The future of Madhya Pradesh fabrics is pretty promising. As the world has become aware of the benefits of sustainable chanderi fabrics, Maheshwari silk or handwoven MP textiles, people all across the globe have become fans of this art. Brands like iTokri have played a crucial role in the success of the Indore cotton textile industry in the international market by offering global delivery services.
As you are all for draping yourself in a piece of Madhya Pradesh textile, remember that you carry not just a fabric but a piece of living history. So experience the magic of MP textiles with iTokri, an online store that lists down the best clothing items from all corners of MP.
Let every thread weave a story.
FAQs
Which Fabric is Famous in Indore?Maheshwari Silk is famous in Indore.
What is the Traditional Weave of Madhya Pradesh?
The traditional weave of Madhya Pradesh is silk, Zari and cotton work as seen on Chanderi fabrics.
What are the Motifs of Batik Printed Fabric?
Peacocks, elephants, houses, horses, carriages, people, butterflies and flowers are the motifs of batik printed fabric.
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