Khem Raj Sundriyal: The Master Weaver Preserving India’s Textile Heritage
In a cultural landscape where ancient crafts risk fading into history, Khem Raj Sundriyal stands out as a guardian of Indian handloom traditions. In January 2026, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri — one of the nation’s highest civilian honours — recognizing his outstanding contribution to the art of weaving and handloom craft.
Born in 1943 in Sumari village, nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Sundriyal grew up in a humble farming family. From the fields of his native village to the national stage of textile recognition, his journey reflects tenacity, creativity, and an enduring commitment to India’s rich craft legacy.
From Farmer’s Son to Handloom Expert
Khem Raj’s early life was marked by modest means and a strong work ethic. While his family tilled fields, he pursued a different path: the world of weaving. He completed a Diploma in Handloom Technology from the Government Industrial Training Institute in Srinagar, Uttarakhand, laying the foundation for a lifelong engagement with textile arts.
His first professional experience came with the Delhi Cloth Mill, but it was his subsequent long association with the Weavers Service Centre (WSC) under the Ministry of Textiles that shaped his career. Through postings across India — including Varanasi and later Panipat — he became deeply immersed in understanding regional weaving communities and their challenges.
Championing the Jamdani Weave
One of Sundriyal’s most enduring legacies is his role in preserving and promoting Jamdani, a delicate and ancient weave traditionally associated with fine muslin fabrics. As a “fast-vanishing art,” Jamdani had limited practitioners in modern times. Through his work, he helped draw renewed attention to this craft, training artisans and introducing innovations that enhanced its viability in contemporary markets.
Beyond Jamdani, he distinguished himself in tapestry weaving, macramé, and other textile techniques, blending tradition with subtle modernity to appeal to evolving tastes while retaining cultural authenticity.
Reviving Panipat Khes: A Textile Renaissance
Perhaps one of Sundriyal’s most transformative contributions was his revival of Panipat Khes, a traditional woven fabric from the historic crafts hub of Panipat, Haryana. Before his intervention, Panipat’s weaving tradition focused primarily on basic khes, bed sheets, and curtain fabrics, leaving limited scope for economic expansion.
Khem Raj introduced new designs, weaving techniques, and organizational approaches that helped elevate Panipat’s craft profile. Under his guidance, the town’s weavers began producing richer handloom textiles that gained traction in both domestic and international markets, effectively transforming Panipat into a vibrant export hub.
Training, Innovation, and Community Development
Sundriyal’s contributions extend beyond his own loom. Throughout his career with the Weavers Service Centre, he served as a mentor and trainer to thousands of weavers across multiple Indian states. His work included:
- Introducing macramé-knotted lamp shades that became key income sources for Varanasi artisans.
- Pioneering the use of polyester yarn in handloom weaving with automatic take-up motion, enhancing productivity and reducing labour intensity.
- Innovating loom technologies — such as improvements to the traditional loom structure — that reduced physical strain on weavers while improving quality.
- Offering formal training and internships to design students, craftsmen, and even inmates, fostering broader engagement with weaving practices.
After retirement, he continued this mission by establishing a handloom cooperative society in Panipat, which provided skills training and employment for local weavers. Many artisans benefitted from regular work and improved livelihoods, a testament to Sundriyal’s dedication to community empowerment.
Recognition and Awards
Khem Raj Sundriyal’s excellence and influence have been acknowledged across decades. Among his major honours:
- Padma Shri (2026) — awarded by the Government of India for art and craft.
- Sant Kabir Award (2009) — one of the highest national recognitions for handloom weavers.
- National Merit Certificate (2001) for Woolen Jamdani Scarf from the Government of India.
- State Award in Handicraft (1999-2000; Macramé) by the Government of Delhi.
- Numerous cultural honours from craft institutions and regional bodies.
His work has also been showcased in key craft exhibitions, both within India and abroad — including textile expos in Spain and Bhutan — where his handcrafted pieces garnered significant attention and respect.
A Legacy of Craft and Cultural Continuity
In an era when modernization often overshadows traditional arts, Khem Raj Sundriyal’s life work serves as a potent reminder of the cultural and economic value of heritage crafts. His approach was never purely artistic; it was also deeply humanitarian. By building skills, opening markets, and innovating within tradition, he ensured that weavers could preserve dignity and earn sustainable livelihoods.
From his early days as a student of handloom technology to his current status as a national awardee and mentor, Sundriyal’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and service to Indian crafts. His contribution underscores the crucial role of artisans in shaping the country’s cultural identity and economic tapestry.
In honoring him with the Padma Shri, India not only celebrates an individual but reaffirms its commitment to preserving centuries-old crafts that continue to inspire creativity and community across generations.
Comments are closed.