KHADI - Journey from Independence to Fashion
A BRIEF ABOUT KHADI
Khadi fabric , also known as also known as khaddar is a term used for fabrics that are hand-spun and handwoven . This Indian fabric played an important role in country’s freedom struggle and politics. The fabric is made by spinning threads on an instrument called charkha. It is woven and spun by hand, which is a time-consuming process. The fabric is usually made from cotton fiber but is also manufactured from wool and silk as woolen khadi and khadi silk. The fabric has a rugged texture ,comfortable feel and the versatile nature to keep people warm in winter while keeping them cool during the summer.
CONSTRUCTION
During the construction of the khadi fabric the threads are interwoven in such a manner to provide passage of air in the fabric. Durable khadi comes in many colours and is not harmful to skin. The cotton absorbs moisture and easily soaks sweat and keeps the wearer cool and dry. Khadi cotton comes in plain as well as printed fabrics. The most common outfit is the kurta followed by saris, salwar suits,coats , tops, shirts, trousers, skirts and handkerchiefs.
Khadi silk is quite a costly fabric . In this the ratio of cotton and silk in the ratio fifty - fifty . The khadi silk provide a royal and rich look to the wearer The fabric is very versatile is very well accepted in Indian fashion world. All the leading designers include this fabric in the collection and try to flaunt its beauty and versatility. the fabric also huge demand in the international market because of its unique nature . Khadi was earlier dyed in earthy colour tones and was used to make traditional garments, but designers now are experimenting by dyeing it in striking colours that make it more attractive .
HISTORY OF KHADI ( DURING INDEPENDENCE )
khadi manufacturing gained momentum under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership as a movement to boycott British clothes before the independence of the country . Thus Mahatma Gandhi started spinning himself the khadi in a spinning wheel called charkha and encouraging others to do the same . Mahatma Gandhi began promoting the spinning of khadi for rural self-employment and in the 1920s which made khadi khadi an icon of the Swadeshi movement.
KHADI AND CHARKHA
Mahatma gandhi took the charkha as a weapon in the swadeshi movement and as a hope for the the people and saw it as a tool to being self-reliant, independent and bringing villages back to life. Mahatma Gandhi says that ‘The spinning wheel represents to me the hope of the masses. The masses lost their freedom, such as it was, with the loss of the Charkha. The Charkha supplemented the agriculture of the villagers and gave it dignity.’
KHADI IN FASHION WORLD
Khadi over the decades has moved from a freedom fighter’s identity fabric to a fashion garment. 70 years after independence and about 98 years after Gandhiji first began to spin the iconic fabric, the world of Khadi is changing . There is such a high demand for khadi now that fulfilling it has turned into a challenge. The fabric had made his way towards the creative minds of Indian and international fashion designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Ritu Kumar and many more. Inovation of Creating new designs and products like denim, trousers, and T-shirts suited for youngsters have created a vibrancy in the market for the khadi fabric. Remond and other company had paid importance to the fabric and are uding and selling them as a fabric for different garments You will be amazed to know that the khadi sector employs 14.97 lakh people and the total annual production of khadi is 111.49 million square metres. The fabric is not about to retire soon. And the government is now doing its best to promote the fabric once again. In his first ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We must promote the use of khadi. Buy at least one khadi article. If you buy Khadi, you light the lamp of prosperity in the house of a poor person.” It is believed that this statement by the PM led to a sudden increase in the sale of Khadi products. The simple ‘Modi Kurtas’ and crisp Modi jackets in, all are made with khadi with the use of many vibrant and bright coloure ,have become quite a rage today. Everybody from Indian men to the US President Barack Obama wants one. SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL AND MODERN LOOKS AND GARMENTS MADE FROM KHADI (bring a change in your style ) Here is beautiflly weaved green saree. Its classy, elegant , morden and the most importantly its khadi Here is a very beautiful dupatta made from khadi . Its classy, shiny and give a rich look . You can also drape the piece of fabric in different ways to get several new and modern look. Here are some of the women traditional cum modern khadi cloths for your closet.
Today , khadi is also being experimented with other yarns and fabric . Its is not limited anymore like it has been combined with denims etc.
This is a denim khadi jacket for mens catagory.
CONCLUSION
Thus khadi from a movement againt british to fashion ahs seen a very long way and had become diversified by the fineness of its weave and is growing its roots in th heart of the people all around the world We can say that Khadi thus serves as an appropriate example of technology, independence and identity. Hope you enjoyed the article. Article by Arsh Gupta Instagram : @arshgupta47