Weaving stories

The Indian textile and costume gallery at the museum

India has a rich history of textile that dates back to ancient civilisations. An understanding of the use and symbolism of fabrics from across Indian regions, religions, and cultures is a way of uncovering India's collective identity and histories. Don't just think about what people wore, but also their textile furnishings and heirlooms, the clothes sculpted on statues, and portrayed in paintings. And with the latest guided art walk at CSMVS through their textile gallery for children and teens, you get a close-up of Indian textiles in all their glory.

A silk blouse from the 20th century

Arya NU from the CSMVS Education department and a student of CSMVS diploma programme notes that with around 1,000 textiles, the museum's collection narrates incredible stories about the art objects on display and their significance in people's everyday lives. She will be leading the art walk and explains, "The goal is to explore the artistic excellence of India's rich cultural heritage of textile and costume traditions. It aims to provide children and teens a glimpse of raw materials, weaving techniques, and textile embellishments."

This interactive walk will encourage students to draw understandings from the subjects explained, and put forth their thoughts about clothing. The 24-year-old observes, "[Children and teens] have an endearing relationship with clothing, considering they have very strong memories associated with it." The end of the art walk will see a block printing activity where participants will be given worksheets to help engage with the topics introduced.

Arya NU

She added that this exhibition, much like other initiatives by the children's museum, offers a holistic learning experience that takes into account the viewers' learning needs, enjoyment expectations, and life aspirations.

On: February 26, 3 to 4 pm (for ages 10 to 15 years)
Log on to: csmvs.in
Cost: Museum entry fee of Rs 100 (adult) and Rs 30 (child)