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In a world where disposable products have become the norm, there is something nostalgic and remarkable about ambara charaka handspun and handwoven cotton handkerchiefs. These small squares of fabric, often overlooked in today's fast-paced society, hold a rich history and embody the goodness of sustainable living. From their eco-sensitive production process to their versatility and durability, these handkerchiefs offer a timeless elegance that is worth celebrating.

Unlike their disposable counterparts, which contribute to landfills and environmental degradation, handspun and handwoven cotton handkerchiefs are crafted from natural cotton fibres. Choosing handwoven cotton handkerchiefs is a conscious step towards reducing waste and minimizing...

I am not sure how many of you know that Saree, Dhoti, Towel, Bedsheet, Dhurrie, Dress material, Blankets/Kambali, Lungi, Shawl/Muffler, Woolen tweed, Mekhala, a total of 11 items cannot be woven on power loom or by the mill sector. By law, these specified products can only be hand-loomed.

Handloom Act, of 1985 (Reservation of articles for production) has an unsteady history.

1928: Widespread unemployment in the handloom sector.

1932: The Tariff Board enquiry, chaired by Dr John Matthai suggests providing yarn to the handloom weavers at a subsidised rate & recommends a fact-finding committee.

1942: The Fact-Finding Committee submitted its...

I am neither a trained fashion designer nor have I apprenticed under one. But there was a time I tried being creative. I used to buy fashion-related magazines, fancy colour pencils to sketch, & even climbed a hill to get inspired, but none of them worked.

Then I heard somewhere that designers are inspired by people - as in Muse, & I didn't have any in my neighbourhood. My wife is a critic, so technically, she is not qualified to be a muse. The person who came up with the quote "Be your own muse" obviously hasn't seen me, as...

At Metaphor Racha, we have designed a system wherein, every three months or so, we receive excess/waste/damaged bits & pieces of textile from a few textile co-operatives of North Karnataka.

Of course, we buy them at a 10% markdown price. The heap of fabric (image 1) consists of around 300 meters. Every year we convert 1000s of meters of trash to treasure, & it wouldn't be possible without your encouragement.

These fabric scraps, sent by bus, once collected here in Bengaluru, are thoroughly checked, & then sorted into three heaps - Soiled, fabric-damaged, & ready-to-use.

Depending on the severity, soiled...

I recently stumbled upon a keyword tool that assembles questions/google searches in interrogative pronouns. And I happened to find a list of questions that are khadi-related. I am attempting to answer some of them.

1) When: When was KVIC started?

KVIC was started in 1957 by the Indian government under the 'Khadi and village industries commission act of 1956'. It is an apex body under the MSME ministry, which seeks to - plan, promote, facilitate, organize & assist in the establishment & development of khadi & village industries. 

2) Can:...