Textiles in Sitapur, Chhattisgarh

Textiles in India create the second largest employment for more than 35 million skilled and unskilled workers and makes the country the world's second largest producer of fiber. Cotton makes up 60% of the textile industry with other textiles including silk, wool, muslin, jute, and man-made fibers.

The spinning and weaving of cotton goes back 4,000 years to the Harappan civilization. There were fabrics found in Egyption tombs, and textile trade was documented during the early centuries. It was popular to exchange silk for spices from the western countries for centuries.

India is also the world's second largest producer of silk with Tasar, Muga, Eri and Mulberry being the main types. The country is also the world's seventh largest wool producer. Jute is known as the golden fiber, comes mainly from the eastern states, and makes India the world's third largest jute provider.

Clothes manufacturing using synthetic yarns is done in large factories using power looms. This is the largest sector of textile production at 62% and employs approximately 4.8 million people.

The hand-loom sector is 13% of the total cloth produced and allows for the design of interesting patterns. This fabric design is highly desired.