North- east is one of the biggest contributors to the growth of the textile industry. North-east India occupies a unique and important place in the indigenous textile culture of India. The people of the hilly areas and the valley areas of North-east India display heterogeneity in terms of varied eco-cultural and ethno-linguistic characteristics though all of them generally belong to the same Mongoloid ethnic group. However, each ethnic group has its own distinct, dynamic set of traditions, mythology, history and social structure.

• Textiles and dresses are probably dominantly identifiable cultural aspects which show the resemblances as well as the differences among the ethnic groups that are produced and used by them.
• The traditional dress of an ethnic group plays a major role in showcasing the ethnic identity.
• Each ethnic group has its own designs and colour combinations.
• Different motifs and designs of textiles have relationship with the rituals and religious life of the people of North-east India.

There are multiple traditional crafts prevalent in the region which are governed by the local conditions. A Common thread that binds all the States is

Weaving:

• It is practiced alike by all tribal groups in Arunachal Pradesh. Nagaland, Manipur and in the valley of Assam.
• There are only a few exceptions, such as the Nokteys Of Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh and the Khasis of Meghalaya who do not weave.
• Meghalaya is known for establishing tradition of high quality weaving.
• Arunachal Pradesh weaves are famous their beautiful colour combinations.
• Exceptional are the Sherdukpn shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets and Wan-cho bags and loin cloths.
• Naga shawls also known as the angami naga, are famous for their bright colours and embroidery of animal motifs.
• Dress material generally depicts ancient Naga tales.
• The handlooms of the tribes of showcase traditional patterns and the rich, vibrant colours have successfully fused with modern garments.
• Traditionally, every household in Tripura had a handloom and locals rarely ever purchased cloth from market
• The striking feature of Tripura handlooms is the vertical and horizontal stripes with scattered embroidery in different colours.
• It is the women who are the real clothiers of this north-eastern region.
• Whether it the Monpas and Sherdukpens of Kameng, the Mishmis and Khamtis of Lohit or the wives of the Wanchoo chieftains of Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh, or any of the Naga tribes, or even the in the plains, it is the women who weave unlike the rest of India, where men predominate the weaving profession.

Silk:

• Northeast India has the potential to produce the country’s tinest silk products, the same of which can be exported Outside the country.
• Assam is the 3rd largest producer Of silk in the country and leading among the north-east states.
• On the other hand, Manipur produces almost 100% of the country’s Oak tussar silk and is the highest producer of Mulberry silk among the North east States
• Whereas, Tripura focuses on production of only Mulberry silk end to end solutions.

Bamboo and Cane Craft:

• This is another traditional art form which runs through various states of the region.
• Due to the weather conditions of the region, it creates a conducive environment for the growth ofbamboo.
• Mizos (people from Mizoram) take great pride in their cane and bamboo work.

Carpets:

• Most ancient form of carpet weaving can be found in Sikkim.
• The traditional pattern of weaving is done by the ‘Bhutia’ community which requires a frame and an exclusive manner Of weaving.
• Arunachal too is well known for carpets. Arunachal Pradesh is divided into 3 major groups depending on their culture and handicrafts: the Buddhist tribes consist of the Sherdukpens and Monpas and also to some extent the Khowa.
• Each tribe has a unique culture and their handicrafts are great as souvenirs for those visiting Northeast India.

Wooden and Metal Products:

• Known as a symbol of true art of India, Sikkim excels in wood carving.
• Sikkim brims with beautiful monasteries, heritage buildings and temples, the architecture of which is adorned with symbols and icons carved in wood.
• Not only that, one can see the special wood carving with papier-maché in the mask dances of Sikkim.
• Pemayangtse Monastery is a fine illustration of carved wooden sculptures and wood carvings.
• Wood carving is also associated with the culture and tradition of the various tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Wood carving is a significant hobby of the Wanchos of Tirap.
• Their skilfully crafted and designed wooden articles have a special place in Arunachal handicrafts.
• As far as skill of wood carving is concerned, some of the finest woodcarvers in India come from the Wancho, Konyak and Phom tribes in Nagaland.
• The icons that best define the Naga’s skill in woodwork are carved mithun heads, hornbills, human figures, elephants, tigers.
• Woodcarving is also associated with their religious beliefs.
• In fact, Naga arts and crafts-black smithy or metal craft is popularly found among the local tribes because of their affinity towards weapons such as spears and daos.
• The Rengma tribe is considered to be the best Naga black smith and one can beautifully decorated spears as take- aways.

Conclusion:

The north-east region, by way of its location, enjoys key advantages as much as it throws up challenges for businesses. The situation, however, has improved significantly in the last few years. There is an increase in the share of industrial activity in all eight states in the region, with Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh recording the highest growth. Most development indices also show a positive performance in the region when compared to other states in India. This is just the beginning of the growth story and one can see that the textile industry will be acting as a pivot of this growth.