Studies in North East India : Study on Assamese Textiles

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Assamese textiles as referred to in literature. 3. Assamese textiles: classification historical growth and use. 4. Textile materials: availability and production. 5. Methods of rearing silk worms and yarn for weaving. 6. Colour used in Assamese textiles. 7. Traditional designs and motifs. 8. Craftsmanship and aesthetic properties. 9. Tribal textile of North East India: distinctive features. 10. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

The book is an outcome of a historical and analytical study of the Assamese Textiles. No important aspect of the subject has been left out in this highly methodical study  to find out and uphold the artistic qualities of the Assamese textiles and the aesthetic values that is contained. Gandhiji\'s observation that the Assamese women can weave the dreams in the looms can be tasted through the pages of the book that contains coloured pictures along with the text. Important stages like the preparing of cotton fibres and rearing of silk worms for making thread, the weaving materials, reeling and weaving methods, processing of colours to be used, creation of designs and motifs, the influence of nature, traditional beliefs and culture, literary evidences about the high qualities of the Assamese textiles, wears of different size, shape and colour according to the socio-cultural state and status--all these points are discussed methodically.