Organic Kala Cotton/ Weaving of Kutch, Gujarat

Kala cotton is a desi cotton type that is one of the first indigenous raw materials found for weaving textiles. It is a coarse, short- staple variety of cotton which is believed to be native to Africa and Asia. It was a significant part of India’s cotton export trade to Britan at the time of colonialization. The crop is purely rain fed and requires low maintenance. It does not require vast amounts of water to grow. During the British Raj, Kala cotton gained a symbolic essence for freedom. It was replaced with long staple cotton which was introduced in India by the Europeans. Now, Kala cotton is being revived again by farmers and weavers Bhuj and Kutch, Gujarat. It is organic in its raw form since it has a high tolerance to disease and pests. Kala cotton is easy to dye and highly manipulative to colour.