Realm of Indian Cotton: A Thread Through History
The reasons behind the dominance of Indian cotton were not low cost labour or early start. Instead the brilliant finishing and the verities of textiles on offer by skilful artisans…
Coromandel : The Coast of Desire
For nearly five centuries, Indian cotton textiles dominated markets from the Mediterranean to Japan and Africa to China. More than just a product of demand, these textiles knitted continents together…
Interlocking Spheres: Cotton
By the 14th century, wool dominated Europe, while cotton thrived in Asia, creating two distinct textile spheres. India, mastering cotton by 1400, became a global leader. Cotton textiles entered Europe…
Interlocking Spheres: Natural Dyes
The knowledge related to Indian printing and dyeing techniques was diffused through the increasing supply of dye manuals from 1760 onwards. Further, it highlights an intersection and overlap between the…
The Striped and Checked Cloths of Coromandel
Upon reaching the Coromandel Coast, Europeans quickly recognized the economic value of Indian cotton textiles, especially striped and checked fabrics. These textiles became key to the triangular trade between Europe,…