The Traditional Handlooms of India
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Explore the traditional handlooms of India, from the intricate Jala loom of Benares to the opulent Paithani loom of Maharashtra, each thread carrying centuries of heritage, artistry, and human touch. These handlooms are not just tools they are lifelines of artisan communities, often passed down through generations, where every motif, color, and weave tells a story of identity, culture, and place.
Kani Loom
The Kani weaving
technique dates back to the 15th century in the Kanihama village
near Srinagar, Kashmir. It flourished under Mughal patronage.
Patola Loom
The Patola loom is used in weaving Patola sarees, a rare and luxurious form of double ikat handloom textile from Patan, Gujarat.
Jala Loom
The Jala loom is a traditional handloom technique originating from Varanasi, famous for weaving fine, openwork silk fabrics often called “Jala” or net-like textiles.
Pathani Loom
The Paithani saree originates from Paithan town in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, dating back to over 2000 years.
Navalgund Dari Loom
The Navalgund Dari, also called Jamkhana, is a traditional handwoven rug originating from Navalgund town in Dharwad district, Karnataka.
Tangaliya Loom
Tangaliya weaving is a 700-year-old indigenous textile craft
practiced by the Dangasia community in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Chanderi Loom
The Chanderi loom traces its origins back to the 11th century in the historic town of Chanderi, located in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh.
Kambli Loom
The Kambli loom is used to weave Kambli, a traditional woolen shawl or blanket primarily made and used in parts of Karnataka.
Loin Loom (Backstrap Loom)
The Loin Loom is one of the oldest and
simplest types of looms, used for centuries by tribal and indigenous
communities in Northeast India and across Southeast Asia and Central
America.
Panja Loom
The Panja loom is a traditional handloom native to Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, historically used to weave Dari (floor mats/rugs) and Farsa (a type of coarse cotton cloth).
Gathua Loom
The “Gathua” loom" derives its name from the Hindi word “Gath”, meaning knots or tie-points, referencing its use in intricate extra-weft weaving,especially for zari and butidar textiles.
Dhabla Loom
The Dhabla is a traditional coarse woolen shawl or blanket that originated in Kutch, Gujarat. It was traditionally worn by Rabari, Bharwad, and Ahir pastoral communities.
Gadha Loom
The Gadha loom originates in western Rajasthan, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where thick handwoven textiles were essential for protection against desert nights.