Of all the Indian handicrafts, textiles form a class by themselves over which the rest of the world went into ecstasies from time immemorial.With an enormous store of myths, symbols, imagery and inspiration from other art forms Indian textile-craft never faced a slump or stagnation. On the other hand it transcended from a craft identity to the status of an art. With shades of classicism, folk tradition and regional flavour the rich and unrivalled fabrics of India have rightly been called ‘exquisite poetry in colour’. Indian fabric art can be classified into three broad categories woven, painted or printed and embroidered. Within this broad outline the present study pinpoints the historical background of some representative forms each unique in its distinctiveness. A search for any linkage with allied art forms as well as their socio-cultural significance also provides a new perspective. Though apparently widely dispersed in contents, they form a composite tapestry of Indian fabric art tradition and call for more scrutiny before our precious heirlooms are totally submerged in the tide of the synthetic era. The book is enriched by illustrations of rare specimens of historical art fabrics collected from different museums in the country. Coupled with extensive references this volume spotlights a new facet of Indian art heritage which will fascinate both the social scientists as well as the connoisseurs of Indian art and culture.
