Reddy and fellow group members participate in a Bandhani workshop in Jodhpur, exploring the tie-dyeing technique that involves intricately tying fabric with thread before dyeing.
Department of Fashion Merchandising Professor Shweta Reddy recently traveled to India, immersing herself in the country’s rich textile heritage through a cultural and educational tour hosted by the International Textiles and Apparel Association.
Shweta Reddy
Joining a group of 20 textile enthusiasts—including Professor Emeritus Sally Fortenberry, former Associate Professor Patricia Warrington and colleagues from various universities—Reddy also engaged with professionals outside the fashion merchandising field, adding new perspectives to the experience.
“We spent so much time together in purposeful conversations that we became each other’s supporters,” explained Reddy. “Even on the day we all parted, there was love and respect for one another.”
Craftsmanship of Gujarat’s Textile Masters
During her visit to Gujarat’s Kutch region, Reddy and her group met Abdulgafur Khatri, a celebrated artist and recipient of the prestigious Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Khatri introduced them to Rogan art, a 400-year-old textile painting tradition practiced exclusively by his family.
Wool shawl weavers in Bhuj, Kutch.
Their journey continued to Bhuj, the heart of Kutch’s rich textile heritage, where they witnessed the art of handspun and handwoven wool shawls and cotton textiles. They observed skilled artisans working on four-pedal looms, carefully weaving exquisite fabrics that reflect centuries of tradition.
The group also had the privilege of visiting Dayalal Kudecha, a former student and mentor at Somaiya Kala Vidya—an institution dedicated to preserving traditional arts while enhancing the value and livelihoods of artisans. Kudecha, who specializes in vegetable dyeing, demonstrated his craft to the group.
The final stop in Gujarat was the World Heritage Site, Rani-ki-Vav, a stepwell created by the royals to serve the community.
“Through the architecture and carvings, one can see the design and beauty that surely inspired the various textile and non-textile art forms that exist here,” explained Reddy.
“It makes you question: why should a well just be a hole in the earth? Why not design it as a beautiful structure that serves as a space for people to fetch water, chit-chat, bathe, rest, pray, or be all these things?”
Kashi: One of the World’s Oldest Living Cities
The group then traveled to Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, a sacred city for Hindus situated along the banks of the Ganges River. There, they witnessed the four-pedal looms used to create the world-famous Banarasi sarees—traditional silk garments adorned with intricate designs woven in zari (silver or gold threads).
Suf embroidery
“Textile weaving is not seen as high art or skilled craftsmanship,” explained Reddy. “The hard work and dedication of these textile artists are truly inspiring, and both the younger generation in their home country and in the West need to understand the value of these traditional textile and non-textile arts—not only for the local economy but for human culture.”
“When any of this art or craft is lost, it is not just a loss to that community or country, but to us all. I think of it like this: if the population of an animal species vanishes from Earth, is it a loss only to that country or region, or to us all?”