Vanishing Textiles of India: A Heritage on the Brink of Disappearance

Manpreet Kour
Aug 7
3 min read

Updated: Aug 17

India’s story is stitched into its textiles, from the handwoven Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh to the delicate Jamdani of Bengal, each fabric tells a tale of community, tradition, and artistry. But as fast fashion rises and mass production dominates, many of these precious textile traditions are silently disappearing.

This isn't just the loss of fabric, it’s the loss of history, livelihoods, and an identity we wore with pride.

Why Are Indian Textiles Vanishing?

Over centuries, India has been a global centre for textile innovation. However, in recent decades, many traditional crafts have suffered. Here's why:

1. Lack of Demand

Modern buyers often prefer cheaper, machine-made alternatives over handwoven or hand-dyed fabrics.

2. Industrialisation

Mechanised production has taken over, pushing artisans and weavers out of business.

3. Generational Shift

Young members of artisan families are moving to cities for other jobs, leaving centuries of skill behind.

4. No Formal Skill Development

Many artisans have no formal support or training infrastructure to modernise or market their craft.

The result? Rich traditions like Toda embroidery, Lepcha weaving, Sujani quilting, and Patola weaving are at risk of extinction.

Textiles That Are Disappearing Fast

Here are just a few textiles that are vanishing or already endangered:

1. Jamdani (West Bengal)

A painstakingly intricate weaving technique once patronised by royalty, now fading due to low commercial demand.

2. Patola (Gujarat)

Double ikat weaving that takes months per saree, now reduced to a handful of master weavers.

3. Toda Embroidery (Tamil Nadu)

A sacred hand-embroidery by the Toda tribe, known for its symbolic red-and-black motifs.

4. Loin Loom Weaving (North East India)

Practised mainly by tribal women, this portable loom creates vibrant, identity-rich cloth.

🪡 5. Sujani Quilting (Bihar)

A beautiful combination of storytelling and stitch work, Sujani is now rarely taught to younger generations.

Each of these is more than cloth, it is language, legacy, and labour that may vanish forever without support.

Can Modern Learners Help Preserve These Crafts?

Absolutely. Revival starts with awareness, followed by skill-based education that merges tradition with innovation. Fashion designers, textile artists, and even home business owners can play a huge role by:

Learning about these textiles
Incorporating them into modern design
Buying directly from artisans
Creating collections that spotlight traditional crafts

Platforms like Skillinabox are working to bridge this gap by providing accessible fashion design education that values India’s roots while embracing global trends. With practical training, design kits, and industry mentorship, learners are encouraged to explore both modern techniques and heritage crafts.

Empowering the Next Generation of Textile Custodians

When young learners understand the cultural and economic value of Indian textiles, they don’t just become designers, they become custodians of heritage.

Skillinabox's courses are curated to help aspiring designers:

Learn the fundamentals of fabric science
Explore traditional techniques through projects
Create conscious fashion portfolios
Engage in sustainable and ethical design practices

Explore how Skillinabox can help you become a fashion designer with purpose

Conclusion: Let’s Not Lose What Makes Us Unique

India’s textiles are not just crafts, they’re expressions of who we are. Every thread woven, every motif embroidered carries the whispers of generations. If we let these crafts vanish, we don’t just lose fabric, we lose memory, meaning, and magic.

As students, designers, creators, and consumers, the power to revive these traditions lies with us.

So the next time you hold a handwoven dupatta or spot a rare embroidery, don’t just admire it. Support it. Learn it. Wear it with pride.

Start Your Fashion Journey with Purpose

Skillinabox is India’s leading platform for skill-based learning in fashion and design, trusted by thousands of women across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.