Since 3000 BC, in the ancient Harappan civilization, a crop nurtured the lives and livelihood of the people who farmed and wove it. Defining more than just its usage, this drought and pest-resilient crop was a boon for the desert communities who, in turn, perfected the art of working with it. These indigenous plants, known as the "old world cotton", were the only ones grown and woven in India up until the 1750s.
When the British came to India, they imposed their long-fiber cotton on Indian farmers as their machines back in Manchester could not process the short fibers of our indigenous cotton. This led to a rapid decline in the demand for the local varieties of cotton to a stage where this beautiful crop, and all the crafts and people dependent on it, were all but lost.
Rooted in techniques that sparked the movement for self-reliance and freedom, Khamir crafts, a social initiative, developed Kala Cotton after the devastating Bhuj earthquake in 2001. This amazing fabric soon became a revival of practices that encapsulated our national legacy of making cloth from the first step to the last.
As the crop was revived, it brought with it a revival of all the various people, practices and crafts that relied on the crop for their survival. It is a boon for all the farmers, the weavers and the dyers who come from a long lineage of working with Kala Cotton. Today, these communities have slowly started earning a livelihood and the practices are now celebrated and practiced widely.
The crop itself is well-adapted to the region's arid climate. Kala cotton is known for its natural resistance to pests and diseases, which makes it a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton. Requiring no additional fertilizers or pesticides, it is the sustenance of cultures, traditions, and a way of living.
Kala cotton is grown using traditional farming methods, without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It is a rain-fed crop that requires 10% of the water that other long fiber cottons require, making it a truly circular, self-sustaining crop that is well-suited to the region's dry climate.
The cotton is hand-picked and processed using traditional methods, which helps to support local communities and preserve traditional skills and knowledge.
Kala cotton has a unique texture and feel, which is softer and more breathable than conventional cotton. The fiber is naturally colored, ranging from a light beige to a dark brown, which eliminates the need for synthetic dyes. The fabric produced from kala cotton is durable and long-lasting, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for clothing.
Explore our range of Kala Cotton Clothing: https://thehumane.co.in/collections/kala-cotton-collection
