India, Aug. 1 -- As synthetic fibres, chemical pollution and textile waste threaten sustainability, India now faces a crucial choice: preserve its rich textile traditions while embracing innovation, or allow the pursuit of cheap, fast fashion to undermine the ecosystems and livelihoods that have sustained its textile heritage for centuries

The evolution of Indian textiles, from ancient civilisation to modern times, mirrors the profound political, economic and social transformations that India has undergone-from colonialism and nationalism to industrialisation, economic liberalisation, globalisation and consumerism. Each of these periods has influenced the way textiles are produced, garments are designed and clothing is consumed.

The tex...