The Khadi (Handspun Cotton) Culture

First Online: January 01, 2004
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024

The handspun cotton, known as Khadi is of special significance to Indians. Gandhi elevated the fragile thread of cotton to  a symbol of strength and self-sufficiency, and to provide employment for the millions during India's freedom struggle, and that symbolism of wearing cloth made by human hands has continued till this day. 

© K. L. Kamat
Gandhiji with his spinning wheel.
Hand-spinning the Way to Freedom

© K. L. Kamat
Gandhian Freedom Fighters
Men in Khadi
For an entire generation in 20th century India, khadi was the only mode of clothing

© K. L. Kamat
Girl Operates Handloom
Girl Operates Handloom

© K. L. Kamat
Swadeshi Memorabilia
Woman makes Khadi
A postcard of 1940s shows a woman making khadi under a bust of Gandhi while attending to child.

© K. L. Kamat

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Man in Gandhi Topi
Man in Gandhi Topi
Wearing handspun cotton (khadi) clothes become popular during India's freedom struggle

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