Deciphering the history and legacy of Zardozi, who is thought to have flourished under Mughal Emperor Akbar, in Threads of Time

Imagine that in the year 3000 BC, humans are creating magic in the Indus River Valley. Not spells, but cotton, something equally fascinating! India and textiles have a long history together; the tale is revealed thread by thread. Imagine the gentle touch of muslin—so delicate that it could pass for a summer breeze. A few millennia later, silk appears, like to a glistening new chapter. Adding their own shine, emperors such as the Mughals introduced clothing embroidered with real gold "tars," or zardozi, and dyeing methods that rivaled any sunset. To satisfy your curiosity, we have a new series on Indian textiles for those of you who are enthralled with this multi-layered tradition. We offer answers to all of your inquiries regarding textiles, including their history, heritage, and potential revitalization strategies, as well as how to spot fakes.