2017-02-02 Thu

“Khadi mentality means decentralization of the production and distribution of the necessaries of life”
- M. K. Gandhi

Khaddar or Khadi is an Indian fabric which is made using hand-spun or hand-woven thread on Charkha. In India, it is not just a cloth but a whole movement started by Mohandas Gandhi to spread the notion of self-reliance and socio-cultural aesthetics.

Khadi has a long history which is also noticed by travellers like Huen Tsang and Marco Polo. Romans were huge appreciators and importers of Bengal Muslin Khadi. Khadi weavers of Comilla during Mughal rule were very valuable.

In the 1920’s Indian made Khadi became an integral part of daily life, thus making it the icon of the Swadeshi Movement. Khadi was also considered to be the fabric of political leaders and rural people. The symbol of Indian freedom, the National Flag has to be weaved into Khadi fabric to promote national importance.

Today All India Khadi and Village board was started (1953) in New Delhi and later in 1956 a Parliament Act was passed and a Commission was established. Khadi is a versatile fabric, thus it is liked by many fashion conscious people and its demand is more than the supply.

To promote this national fabric India post had issued a commemorative stamp featuring Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi in 2011.

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