Traditional Indian Textiles 10.12.2009

India has a rich tradition in textile production spanning almost 5000 years. The materials and techniques vary with geo-climatic conditions, traditions and history. Each reflects a marvel of the creative minds and hands that have worked anonymously to create a masterpiece. Four are depicted on the set of postage stamps.

Kalamkari. The term means pen work and denotes the painted and printed textiles of Andhra Pradesh. They belong to two distinct schools : the Masulipatnam ones patronized by Muslim rulers and the Sri Kalahasti ones by Hindu temples.

The Apa Tani inhabit the lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, in North East India. The women weave primarily for their own households – a tradition that is passed down from mother to daughter. Almost every family possesses one or two looms. 

The figured and brocaded silk–woven saris of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu are as famous as the temples of this centre for Hindu pilgrimage. Ancient southern texts date the rich silks to the 2^nd century, though many attribute the origin of the craft to the migration of weavers at different periods. 

Varanasi, also called Banaras and Kashi, in Uttar Pradesh has been a cultural and religious centre for centuries, its lifeline being the sacred river Ganga. Its fame, apart from its temples, musicians etc. rests on the brocades and the versatile Varanasi draw loom. 

Miniature Sheet with horizontal strip of four se-tenant stamps:- 1. 500 p : Kalamkari, 2. 500 p : Apa Tani weaves, 3. 500 p : Kanchipuram and 4. 500 p : Banaras Silk