Textiles from Bengal – A Shared Legacy
Explore five centuries of Bengal's textile traditions at Textiles from Bengal: A Shared Legacy, a landmark project unveiled in January 2025 through a two-day symposium, exhibition, and book launch.
Presented by the Weavers Studio Resource Centre (WSRC) this pioneering initiative moves beyond the familiar narratives of jamdani, kantha, and baluchari to delve into its extraordinary breadth and diversity. For the first time, researchers and enthusiasts will encounter a comprehensive exploration of the region's rich textile vocabulary - including, but not limited to, the decorative Santipuri, Tangail, and Dhonekhali Saris.
Conceived over four years and guided by an international advisory panel, the exhibition traverses through rare artefacts, including Indo-Portuguese embroideries, Haji rumals, and gossamer muslin. Set against the backdrop of shifting political landscapes and maritime trade, the exhibition illuminates how these textiles shaped global fashion and commerce. It will be open for public viewing until 31 March 2025 at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), venue partner for the project, in Kolkata.
The accompanying symposium at the KCC (31 January - 1 February 2025) will feature thought leaders like Rosemary Crill (former Senior Curator, V&A Museum), Sonia Ashmore (Design Historian, UK), and Dr Niaz Zaman (Textile Historian, Bangladesh). Discussions will uncover contemporary design connections, unpublished textiles from global collections, policy implications, and new research insights into Bengal's textiles, aiming to catalyse a deeper appreciation of this heritage.
"The project's journey has been both a revelation and a rediscovery of Bengal's rich and varied textile history", reflects WSRC Founder and Project Director Darshan Shah. "I find myself deeply moved by the significance of these textiles from the region, which transcends their material essence. Beyond scholarly documentation, this project aims to inspire fresh dialogues and foster global cultural exchange, while reviving interest in Bengal's textile legacy."
The initiative is presented by BRAC Enterprises & JSW Foundation, supported by Garden Vareli, Obeetee Carpets, Salarpuria, APJ Surrendra, Gaurang, Swami Dayananda Educational Trust and Manyavar.
Celebrate this extraordinary legacy and participate in a dialogue that continues to shape global design conversations.
Visit the link here to register
Image one: Nakshi kantha with faces of Madhusudan Dutt embroidered in different corners, Bengal, India, c. 20th century, cotton, embroidered. In the memory of Madhusudan Dutt by Hemchandra Dutt, as signed. Image courtesy of the Weavers Studio Resource Centre, Kolkata, India.
Image two: Man's headwear (topi), velvet embroidered with basra pearls, c. 19th century, Murshidabad. Collection of Shashikant Nowlakha, Kolkata.
Image three: Detail of a Muslin Gown, woven in Bengal, finished in France, 1830s, cotton. Image courtesy of the Weavers Studio Resource Centre, Kolkata, India.