By Hilja Shikongo

The timeless beauty of Indian textiles took centre stage this week as India’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Rahul Shrivastava, delivered an inspiring speech at an exhibition celebrating India’s rich textile heritage.  The event, attended by Namibian government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, media, and members of the Indian diaspora, showcased not just fabric, but the very threads of history, culture, and innovation.

In his remarks, Shrivastava invited guests on what he called “a journey through time, discovering how India’s history is woven into its textiles.” He highlighted how the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back more than 4,500 years, pioneered techniques still admired today. “The discovery of dyed cotton threads suggests an early mastery of textile dyeing techniques,” he said, noting that cotton grew abundantly in the region and became central to India’s textile story.

Tracing the evolution of weaving, the High Commissioner emphasized India’s global influence. “Indian textiles, especially cotton and silk, were highly prized commodities along trade routes, including the famous Silk Road,” Shrivastava said. “The Roman historian Pliny the Elder wrote about the high demand for Indian textiles in the Roman Empire, where they were considered luxurious and exotic.”
Shrivastava also pointed to the Mughal era as a golden age for fabrics and embroidery. “Under Mughal patronage, textile centres flourished in Gujarat, Bengal and Punjab,” he explained. “Luxurious fabrics such as muslin and silk gained prominence, while embroidery styles like zardozi and chikankari emerged during this period.”

Bringing the narrative closer to the present, he celebrated the Khadi movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, calling it “a symbol of self-reliance that promoted the use of hand-spun and hand-woven fabrics.” He added: “Today, India’s handloom sector remains one of the largest cottage industries in the country, employing millions of artisans.”

The High Commissioner underscored the balance between heritage and modernity. “Contemporary designers draw inspiration from traditional fabrics, incorporating them into modern fashion,” he said. “Indian textiles like Khadi, Banarasi silk and Pashmina have gained global recognition for their quality and craftsmanship.” Sustainability, he noted, is now at the forefront of textile innovation. “Designers and manufacturers are exploring organic fibres, natural dyes and ethical labour practices, aligning with global trends toward sustainability.”

For Shrivastava, textiles are more than craft they are identity. “Textiles hold immense cultural significance in India, playing a vital role in religious ceremonies, festivals, and everyday life,” he said. “The history of textiles in India stands as a living testament to the nation’s creativity, resilience and cultural diversity.”

As guests admired the exhibition, the High Commissioner left them with one thought: “Through this exhibition, we are honored to present to you a glimpse of this timeless heritage. As you walk through the exhibits, you will encounter stories woven in fabric and the very spirit of India.” The event proved that fashion is not just about garments it is storytelling, memory, and tradition stitched into cloth.