A land of ancient art and textile
India, one of the world’s oldest centres of textile craftsmanship, traces its roots back to the Indus Valley. Ancient texts like the Rigveda describe early techniques, while Indian mythology in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata highlights the importance of fabrics.
Folklore has played a deeply influential role in Indian textiles, shaping designs, motifs, and techniques in ways that reflect the region's cultural diversity and storytelling traditions. Across regions, textiles are adorned with motifs, colours, and patterns inspired by local legends, mythology, and folk art traditions, each unique to its place of origin. From the vibrant narratives of Kalamkari and Pattachitra, which depict scenes from the epics, to the symbolic embroidery of Phulkari and Banjara, Indian textiles encapsulate the beliefs, values, and stories passed down through generations. These fabrics are not just decorative; they hold cultural meanings, honour community wisdom, and connect wearers to a shared history.
Expression of beliefs, cultural wisdom & regional symbolism
Indian textiles are visual stories, preserving ancient myths, heroic epics, and tales of love, loss, and valour through the art of weaving. Artisan communities serve as guardians of these stories, passing them down through generations. Textiles like Gujarat's Bandhani and Bengal's Kantha reflect local beliefs. Bandhani’s tie-dye patterns symbolise fertility and rain, while Kantha’s embroidered motifs bring blessings, protection, and family connections. Skilled artisans in communities like Gujarat's Rabari tribe weave natural landscapes, animals, and folklore into textiles, embodying stories of journey, resilience, and tradition.
The Storytelling
Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh): Known for its hand-painted or block-printed scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kalamkari brings ancient stories to life with intricate, colourful depictions of gods and legends using natural dyes.
Pattachitra from Odisha and West Bengal is a traditional art form showcases vivid, bold scenes of Lord Jagannath and other folk legends, transforming textiles into canvases that tell tales of devotion and heritage.
The Chamba Rumal or Chamba handkerchief is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted under the patronage of the former rulers of Chamba kingdom. It is a common item of gift during marriages with detailed patterns in bright and pleasing colour schemes.
Mata Ni Pachedi is a handmade textile of Gujarat meant to be an offering in the temple shrines which house the Mother Goddess. The name is derived from the Gujarati words ‘Mata’ meaning ‘mother goddess’, ‘Ni’ meaning ‘belonging to’ and ‘Pachedi’ meaning ‘back’. The goddess forms the central figure in the design, flanked by other elements of her story.
Regional and Folk Styles
Warli paintings from Maharashtra, with their simple stick figures and geometric designs, depict village life, nature, and animals. Originally painted by the Warli tribe, these motifs now appear on textiles, celebrating everyday stories and community life.
Madhubani art of Bihar, originating from Mithila, Madhubani art uses bright colors and bold lines to depict gods, nature, and symbols of fertility and celebration, infusing textiles with the spirit of this traditional art form.
The cultural beliefs
Banjara Embroidery fops Rajasthan crafted by the Banjara nomadic community, incorporates symbolic elements like mirrors and cowrie shells believed to protect against evil, reflecting the tribe’s stories of resilience and migration.
Phulkari Known for its vibrant floral and animal motifs, Phulkari embroidery symbolises Punjabi heritage and family stories, celebrating love, luck, and tradition.
Legacy of Craft and Community Wisdom
Textile-making techniques like natural dyeing, handloom weaving, and hand embroidery are not just art forms but also preserve the ecological wisdom of communities. For instance, natural indigo dye in Bagru and Dabu prints carries folklore associated with plant-based dyes and their healing properties, adding another layer of meaning to the fabric. The craft techniques themselves, like Ajrakh or Kalamkari, embody community knowledge, rituals, and beliefs handed down through generations.
Folklore in Indian textiles turns simple fabrics into cultural treasures that carry stories of identity, community, and tradition. Each textile is more than just clothing; it is a vibrant expression of a region’s heart, an art form that connects the past to the present.