Indian textiles are feted across the world. If you are curious to know about their history, log into Textile Tales of India by Pritha. She studies the subject from resources at the Victoria and Albert Museum Academy, National Art Library, and the British Library in London, and tells you all about not just Indian textiles but also old-world fashion.In Muslin – The Woven Air, Pritha unspools the fascinating history of one of India’s most legendary textiles with the precision of a scholar and the warmth of a storyteller. The episode dives into muslin’s origins, with textured insights into the fabric’s global fame, delicate weave and decline. Here’s a nugget: Bengali muslin was associated with the elegance of the Mughal court, as shown in this 1665 depiction (see pic) of princes Dara and Sulaiman Shikoh.
What stands out is Pritha’s ability to stitch together disparate threads: ancient Greek and Arab texts, Mughal patronage and East India Company’s exploitation. Her narration is as fine as the fabric she discusses – light, layered and lingering. Whether you’re a history buff, a heritage enthusiast or just muslin-curious, this episode is a beautifully woven introduction.
