Indian exports of cotton textiles to Egyptian or the Nile Civilization in medieval times were on a large scale. Large quantity of North Indian silk was traded through the silk route in China to the western countries. Indian silk was often exchanged with the western countries for their spices in the barter system. During the late 17th and 18th century there were large exports of the Indian cotton to the western countries to meet the need of the European industries during the industrial revolution. Consequently there was development of the nationalist movement like the famous Swadeshi movement that was headed by Aurobindo Ghosh.
There was also export of Indian silk, Muslin cloth of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to other countries by the East Indian Company.
The Indian Variety
Today, India still stands as the second largest producer of Cotton and Silk after China and caters to majority of the World’s demand. T he textile industry in India traditionally, is second to agriculture: a second largest employment generating sector in India. It offers direct employment to over 35 million people in the country. The total export was 11.04% during April–July 2010, as per the Ministry of Textiles. During 2009-2010, Indian textiles industry was pegged at USD 55 billion, 64% of which services domestic demand. In 2010, there were 2,500 textile weaving factories and 4,135 textile finishing factories in all of India.
Though the above facts are a feel good factor of our historical textile market, but the reality of the fashion industry today is different.
Let’s get to reality with some of these facts:
WE NOW HAVE THE LAST GENERATION OF WEAVERS FOR OUR LOVED ONES AND EVERGREEN TRADITIONAL FASHION APPARELS
Do we know some of the real causes of this crisis?
OUR ARTISANS’ HANDS ARE NOT INSURED! WE HAVE TO PROTECT THEM. THEY GIVE US OUR DREAMS OF A PRECIOUS WARDROBE/HOME COLLECTION.
There is a strong need to save our tradition, promote our culture and traditional outfits with our own fabric produce and boost Indian economy.
Indirootz.com is taking up this challenge to save our Indian artisans through a very interactive and engaging e-commerce portal for selling authentic Indian ethnic wear & handicrafts to the customers eliminating the middlemen to connect customers to the handlooms/weavers/designers directly. This intuitive interface will segregate the Indian apparels based on the variety, geographically differentiated and promote Indian tradition.
JOIN US IN THIS INITIATIVE AND HELP US TO UPHOLD OUR INDIAN ART. WE PROMOTE FAIR TRADE AND EVERY TIME YOU PURCHASE FROM INDIROOTZ, WE PLEDGE TO CONTRIBUTE A PART OF OUR PROFITS BACK TO THE HANDS INVOLVED IN CREATING THEM.
