khaddar

Khaddar is a coarse, hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric produced in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India and Pakistan. The material is valued for its durability, warmth, and rough texture, which result from a thick, uneven yarn and a simple weave such as plain weave or twill. While traditionally made on handlooms and through artisanal methods, modern variants can also be produced in mills.

Etymology and origins are tied to regional textile vocabulary in South Asia, with khaddar historically associated with rural craft and self-reliant textile production. The fabric has long been used as everyday clothing in rural communities and as a practical material for winter garments, shawls, and blankets due to its warmth and sturdiness.

Historical significance is closely linked to movements for self-sufficiency in the early 20th century, alongside khadi. Khaddar was promoted as a locally produced, affordable alternative to imported textiles, reinforcing artisanal traditions and national production. This associations with independence and self-reliance contributed to its cultural prominence in the region.

Regional use and varieties vary, but khaddar remains common in rural India, Pakistan, and parts of Bangladesh. It is used to make shirts, kurtas, shawls, blankets, and other utilitarian garments. While cotton is the typical material, woolen blends exist for heavier, warmer textiles in cooler climates.

Care and handling generally involve washing and air drying; cotton fabrics may shrink if not pre-shrunk. Khaddar’s enduring appeal lies in its practicality, cultural heritage, and the tactile character of its coarse hand-spun fibers.