India's Indigenous Extinct and Endangered Textile Heritage: A Glimpse

Traditional Indian textile is an integral part of the country's rich cultural heritage, embodying centuries of craftsmanship, symbolism, and regional diversity. India has an extraordinary textile heritage, but many traditions are now endangered or nearly extinct due to industrialization, loss of patronage, and declining artisan communities. Below is a clear, academically usable overview, grouped by region and technique. There is decline in weaving due to globalization and modernization, which have ushered in a wave of change, influencing not only the production methods but also the demand for traditional Indian textiles. Mass production, synthetic dyes, and fast fashion have emerged as formidable competitors, challenging the sustainability and relevance of time-honored techniques. However, rapid industrialization, colonial interventions, changing market dynamics, and declining artisan livelihoods have led to the endangerment and extinction of several traditional textiles. This book chapter giving glimpses of few endangered and functionally extinct textiles of India, including Bengal muslin, Murshidabad silk brocades, Kani shawls, Telia Rumal, Himroo, Mashru, and Tangaliya weaving etc.