WARDHA

Cotton weaving is a significant part of the textile industry in Wardha and has been designated as the district’s One District One Product (ODOP).  The cotton weaving tradition in Wardha is intrinsically linked to the agricultural profile of the Vidarbha region, which is renowned for cotton farming. As one of the major crops in the district, many local farmers and artisans are actively involved in this industry.

The process of cotton weaving typically begins with the cultivation of cotton, which is followed by ginning to remove seeds, spinning the fibers into yarn, and finally weaving the yarn into fabric using looms. These traditional methods formed the foundation of textile production in the region and were closely tied to rural livelihoods for generations.

Over time, this local craft evolved into a larger textile industry, particularly during the British colonial period. The transition from manual to industrial production in Wardha began in 1881 with the establishment of the Hinganghat spinning mill, marking the start of mechanized textile manufacturing in Wardha. According to the colonial district Gazetteer (1906), by 1900, two more major facilities of spinning and weaving mills in Pulgaon and Hinganghat.

The 20th century saw Wardha become a significant center for the Khadi movement under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. This initiative emerged as a countermovement to mechanized production and imported textiles, promoting handspinning and handweaving as part of the broader Swadeshi economic philosophy.

Gandhi’s residence at Sevagram Ashram in Wardha facilitated local promotion of Khadi production techniques. In her writings, Amelia Proterious mentions the movement’s lasting influence on Wardha’s textile traditions and economic structure.

This legacy continues in present-day Wardha through organizations like Magan Khadi and Dhamitra.  They operate a seed-to-weave program in collaboration with local organic cotton farmers and use traditional methods of weaving. These initiatives, in many ways, preserve Wardha's historical connection to cotton textiles while supporting community-based production models.

Pottery making is a craft that has a long-standing presence in Wardha district. Villages such as Hingni, Mandgaon, and Wagholi, are particularly noted in the district Gazetteer (1974) to be home to potter communities (Kumbhars). These artisans used locally available red clay, often mixed with organic materials, to produce various types of earthenware. The district Gazetteer (1974), especially mentions how Hingni specialized in producing large storage vessels.

Alongside the Kumbhars, other artisan groups contributed to clay craft in the region. The Chitari community, for example, created decorative items such as clay dolls and toys, in addition to wall paintings.

Hand embroidery is another traditional craft in Wardha, with local artisans skilled in various forms of needlework, including patchwork and thread work. In recent decades, this craft has been supported through government initiatives aimed at promoting handicrafts as viable sources of livelihood.

One such initiative is the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY), launched in 2001–2002 to develop artisan clusters across India. Under this program, the Hinganghat cluster in Wardha has grown to include over 150 artisans and 10 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), as mentioned in the Craft Clusters of India website. The cluster focuses on producing hand-embroidered items that reflect regional textile traditions while contributing to local economic activity.

Magan Sangrahalaya, located in Maganwadi, Wardha is a historical museum established in 1938 by Mahatma Gandhi. It is noted to be the only museum in India which was founded by Gandhi and focuses on showcasing the work of artisans and craftsmen from across the country.

The museum features a collection of charkhas (spinning wheels) dating back to the 1930s, including hand-operated, pedal-powered, and solar-driven models. It also displays various forms of khadi, from pure, naturally dyed fabrics to blends with silk, raw silk, wool, and jute.

In addition to textile-related displays, the museum also presents exhibits from over 30 rural industries, such as food processing, handmade paper, honey extraction, tools for small-scale agriculture, and non-violent leather goods made from fallen animal hides. It in many ways displays the often overlooked ingenuity and resourcefulness that are intertwined with rural living.

Magan Khadi Sanghralaya is an organization based in Wardha that focuses on the production of Magan Khadi, a fabric made from locally sourced organic cotton.

The organization follows a “seed to weave” model, in which all stages of production are conducted locally. This includes ginning, carding, spinning, and reeling, with reeling, notably, performed using a solar-powered traditional charkha (spinning wheel). Following these steps, the cotton undergoes warping, dyeing, weaving, and printing, utilizing traditional methods at each stage.

The final fabric is certified by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and is crafted in  compliance with recognized standards for Khadi production. In addition to manufacturing, Magan Khadi Sanghralaya serves as a center for integrating local craftsmanship with environmentally conscious practices, linking textile production to both community involvement and sustainable development.