Samhita Weaves: Bringing Indian Textiles to the Fore

Nov 10, 2022

Samhita Weaves (www.samhitaweaves.com) is an exclusive curated platform founded by Council Member Neelam Singh Bisht that brings Indian textiles to the forefront, with a focus on helping artisans and weavers who keep our heritage alive by promoting their crafts and skills.

Samhita means ‘a collection’ in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India.

‘To the artisans, their craft means much more than the technical skills or process of weaving, painting and printing a textile. These are stories and memories of centuries-old traditions of colours, designs and symbols that have been passed down the ages and woven into the threads of textiles,’ says Neelam. ‘There is a deep understanding of materials, the tools with which materials are made, and a genuine pride in their work which showcases their traditions and culture.’

Samhita Weaves is a attempt to highlight these methods and traditions and bring artisans into the limelight they deserve.

Neelam is a garment technologist with 16 years of experience in the industry. She describes Samhita as a collection of incredible textile traditions from across the length and breadth of India with a connection to its glorious cultural heritage.

An avid reader, art history enthusiast and nature lover with a creative bent of mind, Neelam’s love with the woven fabric began in her teenage years.

She is a psychology graduate from Garhwal University, Dehradun. Pursuant to her interest in the handloom and Indian textiles industry, she underwent formal training culminating in a degree in fashion designing from IPW, South Extension, New Delhi and followed up with specialisation in garment construction from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

She has worked as a garment technologist alongside designers at international brands like Next and Target.

The idea for starting Samhita Weaves came about when she was struck by her clients’ fascination for Indian handcrafted textiles and patterns during her stint in the garment industry. There was no proper market from where to source them, except only through middlemen who exploited the artisans.

‘When I came up with this idea and did my research I came to know that the handloom industry is now in two parts: one that still follows old traditions of weaving fabric by hand, and the other that started using small machines, i.e. powerloom. Powerloom is now overpowering handwoven products. Weavers and artisans are struggling to find sufficient work. There is lack of awareness about handwoven and handcrafted sustainable products. Insufficiency of authentic handloom products is the norm now,’ says Neelam.

It is then she decided to procure textiles directly from the artisans and started Samhita Weaves in April 2017 from her home. Alongside, she has been advocating sustainable and ecofriendly fashion with the aim of revival and preservation of Indian textiles.

Neelam’s mission and vision is to promote the wide diversity of Indian textiles and help artisans and weavers find a good and stable market for their products.

Connect with Samhita Weaves on Instagram, Facebook, or their website.