The Khadi (Handspun Cotton) Culture

First Online: January 01,2004
Page Last Updated: June 15,2010

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

Hand-spinning the Way to Freedom

© K. L. Kamat

Men in Khadi
For an entire generation in 20th century India, khadi was the only mode of clothing

© K. L. Kamat

Girl Operates Handloom

© K. L. Kamat

Woman makes Khadi
A postcard of 1940s shows a woman making khadi under a bust of Gandhi while attending to child.

© K. L. Kamat

Kamat's Potpourri

Man in Gandhi Topi
Wearing handspun cotton (khadi) clothes become popular during India's freedom struggle

See Also:

• Indian Attire Through the Centuries

• Congress Archive -- Rare pictures and artifacts from the archives of Indian National Congress. A pictorial story of India's freedom struggle.

• Multimedia Mahatma -- Memorabilia, biography, excerpts from autobiography, photo archive and links; includes an interactive Ask Gandhi section