I gather up the dun coloured sari with black butterflies close to me. It has a narrow maroon woven border and the texture feels indescribably comforting - rough, smooth, nubby and light all at the same time. Next to it is a resplendent indigo sari, then another in mustard and green, a deep unapologetic red, an idigo and so on. They are all absolutely gorgeous. Don’t miss the Malkha exhibition today at Whispering Stones. It is quite simply a must-visit. But, remember to carry cash as there is no card transaction facility.
A pamphlet explains the philosophy of Malkha, a word born out of a combination of mulmul and khadi, handlooms so intrinsic to our textile tradition. It tells the story of cotton and handlooms in our country; how they flourished and declined, pushed out by mass-grown and mass-produced fare.
Malkha defines itself as a decentralised, sustainable, field-to-fabric cotton textile chain, collectively owned and managed by the primary producers — the farmers, spinners, dyers and weavers. It uses cotton grown by local farmers farmers, mostly from villages in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. The idea is to move towards small groups of producers who are in charge of their products rather than being dependent on the whims of various other agents. ‘Field to Fabric’ is Malkha’s tagline. It is all about using local raw materials, local skills and boosting local village-based industry.
The attempt to retain the character of the diverse weaves and textures rather than make it into ‘one-size-fits-all’ kind of a product makes Malkha extra special. The saris, dupattas and yardage reflect that kaleidoscope of colours, weaves and prints that is so characteristic of our country.
I can’t resist another Malkha, this one for my daughter who is just discovering the joy of wearing a sari. It is a deep, deep red, with leaves everywhere. I will make sure I tell her that when she wears that sari, she is giving a shot in the arm for Indian handlooms, ecology and village-based industry. She will also learn that her sari uses natural and non-toxic colours including plant and vegetable dyes (the warm mustard comes from pomegranate rind! and is printed using seasoned teakwood blocks, and that it breathes well, needs no starching and gets better and better with age. No wonder it is called freedom fabric. Oh yes, fashion designers in Europe are big on it.
Malkha at Whispering Stones, Perks Arch Road, on April 7 between 10.00 a.m.- 7.00 p.m.
Contact: 9865853199
