Written By Anika Goyal (Grade 6)
Our earth is full of different forms of art. Art consists of many branches, but only a few art forms are popular and known around the world. When we think about the word ‘art’, we think mostly of paintings and sculptures. However, textiles are also a form of art. Allow me to share with you a largely overlooked textile that is now only found in some regions of India. Dosuti is a handspun textile that originated in pre-independent India. Mahatma Gandhi used it as part of the Swadeshi Movement against the British, and thus it became a symbol of independence and resistance to British-made textiles.
The Dosuti fabric has a coarse texture and a slightly irregular weave as it is woven by hand. The fabric is lightweight and suitable for warm climates. Due to the advent of modern textile manufacturing techniques, fabrics that were hand-punched and were from olden times are now forgotten by people. However, Dosuti embodies a rich cultural heritage and represents the spirit of sustainability and self-reliance. It is still a part of the textile industry in India and beyond.
Many states in India, particularly Gujarat, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, have workshops and centres where we can observe Dosuti weaving firsthand. Artisans demonstrate the weaving process to enlighten visitors about the traditional techniques involved.
But why am I so passionate about weaving techniques and fabrics from long before India’s independence? Let me tell you. Once, on a holiday in Meghalaya, I was trekking and came across a village. There, some ladies were selling fabrics. My parents and I approached them and asked them about the fabric. They told us that it was part of many fabrics made only in some states or areas. Since then, I have delved deeply into the world of textiles.
A unique feature of Dosuti is that it is woven using two-ply yarns, where two strands of yarn have been twisted together before weaving. This double-threaded construction supplements the fabric’s durability and strength.
Right now, I do not practice this art form, but I want to try it someday when I’m older. And even though I don’t practice Dosuti fabric weaving, exploring and reading about it has been incredibly enlightening and has expanded my understanding and perspective about acknowledging time-honoured weaving techniques.
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