Hyderabad: The H.K. Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), organised a national seminar titled “Textile Traditions of the Deccan: Materiality, Labour and Technology.”
The seminar focused on textiles as a vital component of the region’s material culture and historical experience. It highlighted the deep connections between textile production, artisan communities, traditional knowledge systems, labour practices and technological innovations. The academic platform facilitated discussions on the evolution of Deccan textile traditions, the skills and knowledge of weaving communities, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts in the contemporary world.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU. Smt. A. Vani Prasad, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, Government of Telangana, attended as the Chief Guest, while noted textile revivalist Smt. Uzramma Bilgrami was the Guest of Honour. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Sanjay Subodh of the Department of History, University of Hyderabad.
The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar, MANUU, as the Chief Guest. Padma Shri awardee and UNESCO-recognised master weaver Shri Gajam Govardhana was the Guest of Honour. The session was chaired by Prof. Rekha Pande of the University of Hyderabad.
According to Prof. Salma Ahmed Farooqui, Director of the Centre, the deliberations addressed the historical significance of textile production in the Deccan and the substantial contributions of artisans and weaving communities to the region’s economic and cultural life. The seminar’s interdisciplinary approach sought to link historical research with contemporary conversations on textile revival, traditional craftsmanship, natural fibres, sustainable production methods, and the intergenerational transmission of indigenous knowledge.
Textile researchers and revivalists from industry and academia across India presented papers and engaged in fruitful discussions. The seminar assumes particular importance in the context of the declining textile traditions of the Deccan and reinforces the ongoing efforts of revivalists to safeguard these crafts.
Dr. A. Subash and Dr. Shahid Jamal served as the seminar coordinators.
