Weaving is one of the oldest crafts in history, dating back to at least 12,000 years ago during the Neolithic era. Before weaving became solely a textile craft, early humans weaved branches, twigs and other plant fibers to create threads for building homes, baskets and other necessary objects of utility.

The development of spinning and weaving began in ancient Egypt around 3400 before Christ (B.C). The tool originally used for weaving was the loom. From 2600 B.C. onwards, silk was spun and woven into silk in China. Later in Roman times the European population was clothed in wool and linen.

The first evidence of weaving in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which was active from 3300-1300 BCE. Back then, the main purpose of weaving was to create clothing and fabric for use in everyday life.

Farmers working on the fields during Indus Valley were the forefathers of modern Indian weavers. Fragments of cotton textiles were discovered at MohenjoDaro, the estimated dates between 3250 and 2750 BC.

Handloom weaving first originated in ancient India. It was used as a form of resistance against foreign invaders and British colonists who sought to suppress native culture by banning everything from hand-spun cotton fabrics to silk saris woven by Indians.

Panipat is called the city of weavers, as it produces textiles and carpets. It is the biggest center for quality blankets and carpets in India and has a hand loom weaving industry. Panipat city is the biggest centre of “shoddy yarn” in the World.

Weaving is a way to express yourself and create art that reflects your own personality. Practical uses aside, that is part of what has made weaving such an integral craft throughout human history. It's been used as a form of artistic and cultural expression for thousands of years.

Read the poem INDIAN WEAVERS BY SAROJINI NAIDU on this National Handloom Day.