India has a rich and diverse tapestry of textile traditions that tell captivating tales of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Each thread, each motif, and each color in Indian textiles unravels a story of tradition, skill, and the enduring spirit of creativity. These textile tales not only adorn the people but also connect them to a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The host of this podcast, Pritha is an Instagram content creator focusing on the history and heritage of Indian textiles. She studies the subject from resources at the Victoria and Albert Museum Academy, National Art Library, and the British Library in London. She has been on several handloom and handicrafts trails across India, meeting artisans and documenting their crafts. Pritha grew up in Kolkata and now works as a gynecologist in London.
Ep13: Crafts that care - how this social enterprise supports local community and their environment
Consumers are now increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fashion, and brands are focusing on ways the minimise carbon footprint. But, with concerns around greenwashing, trust and accountability have become real concerns. In this episode, Ms Rashmi Bharti, co-founder of Avani, discusses how they built a craft-based, women-led, social enterprise in remote mountains of Kumaon, uplifting the community while respecting the fragile local ecology.
4 Jun 2025
Ep13: How does handloom retail work - behind the scenes of a heritage saree brand
Anil Sancheti of Mysore Saree Udyog discusses the evolution of his family's heritage saree brand and how it adapts to modern retail in an interview with Pritha.
24 May 2025
Ep12: The art of handloom revival - saving India's lost weaves
Dr. Hemlatha Jain, founder of Punarjeevana, discusses her work reviving over 50 lost handloom weaves of India, specifically focusing on the weaves of North Karnataka in this interview.
16 May 2025
Ep11: Making Indian crafts sustainable - journey of a non-profit organisation
All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA), established in 2004, is a membership based non-profit organization for the handloom and handicrafts sector in India. In this episode, Ms Meenu Chopra, Executive Director of AIACA, talks about their programmes aimed at sustainability, promotion, and advocacy of Indian handloom and handicrafts.
8 Sept 2024
Ep10: Muslin - the woven air
What is muslin? Why is it famous? When did it first appear, and why did it decline? Did the British really cut off the hands of weavers? These, and everything else on muslin discussed in this episode.
6 Sept 2024
Ep9: Gender neutral fashion in India
In conversation with Neha Suradkar, fashion educator and stylist, about the history of gender-neutral clothing in India, and how contemporary designers are exploring new ideas.
24 Jun 2024
Ep8: Cross-dressing in India
India has a long history of cross-dressing practices. Indian fashion in pre-colonial times was often free of gender norms. This episode explores the heritage of cross-dressing in the subcontinent - from scriptures to films, and challenges the prevalent concept of gendered clothes.
24 Apr 2024
Ep7: Indian men’s fashion from colonial times Ft The Common Man
Part 3 of the history of men’s fashion in India focusing on modern times. How did British influence affect the way Indian men dressed?
13 Apr 2024
Indian men’s fashion in medieval times Ft Mughal-e-Azam
Part 2 of the history of men’s fashion in India focussing on medieval India. How did Islamic rule influence clothing of Indian men?
2 Apr 2024
Indian men’s fashion in ancient times Ft Ashoka the Great
Part 1 of the history of men’s fashion in India focusing on ancient times. How did early Indians dress?
17 Feb 2024
Sherwani, the origin story
This is the origin story of one of the most loved men’s garments of India, the Sherwani. Contrary to popular belief, it was neither a Rajput, nor Mughal clothing, but a 19th century fashion invention! In this episode textile historian Dr Toolika Gupta takes us through the history of the Sherwani.
6 Feb 2024
Chintz, the Indian textile banned in Britain!
Once a firm favourite of European elites, the handcrafted Indian chintz is a textile of legendary repute. Constant protests from British weavers eventually prompted the British parliament to ban its import. But, it could not make it disappear. What followed next? And how did it decline?
Senior textile historian Dr Sarah Fee, senior curator of Royal Ontario Museum joins me, as I discover why chintz is regarded as the cloth that changed the world.
17 Jan 2024
Chintz Ft. Tipu’s Tent
What connects Mysore and a small countryside town in Wales? This episode begins with the lesser known story of Tipu Sultan’s tent, and moves to the trade route of chintz. Chintz industry financially benefited some Indians too, the evidence of which still remains in certain parts of South India. Who were they? And how is Chintz related to the modern Kalamkari? Join me and award-winning Kalamkari artist Srinivas Pitchuka, to find the answers.
19 Dec 2023
Chintz Ft. Vicky Kaushal Wedding Jacket
The fabric gained popularity in Europe during the 17th century, especially in England, where it became a symbol of luxury and exoticism. Chintz played a significant role in the global trade of textiles and had a lasting impact on fashion and interior design. Explore its interesting journey.
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