Queen of Textile: India's Textile Powerhouse and Its Top Cities, Fabrics, and Policies

When people talk about the queen of textile, the undisputed leader in India’s fabric production that drives exports, employment, and tradition. Also known as India’s textile capital, it’s not just a title—it’s a reality built on millions of looms, skilled weavers, and policy-backed growth. This title belongs to Surat, the city in Gujarat that produces over 80% of India’s synthetic fabric and exports to more than 80 countries. Surat doesn’t just make cloth—it turns raw polyester into global fashion, from affordable fast fashion to high-end bridal wear. It’s the engine behind India’s $40+ billion textile industry, and it’s growing faster than ever.

Behind Surat’s dominance are the fabrics that make the world take notice. Banarasi silk, a handwoven luxury fabric from Varanasi, often used in weddings and royal ceremonies, commands prices over ₹50,000 per meter. Then there’s Pashmina wool, hand-spun from Himalayan goats, so fine it passes through a ring, and so warm it’s worn by royalty. These aren’t just materials—they’re cultural treasures. But Surat’s real power lies in mass production: synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon made at scale, with precision and speed that no other city in Asia matches. The India’s new textile policy 2025, a government plan offering subsidies, tax breaks, and tech upgrades to manufacturers. is pushing Surat and other hubs to upgrade machinery, cut waste, and compete with China—not by copying, but by innovating.

What makes the queen of textile so strong isn’t just history or fabric—it’s the ecosystem. From small workshops in Surat that stitch 500 shirts a day to giant mills exporting to the US and EU, every part of the chain is connected. The policy supports these players, from startups to exporters. And with global demand for sustainable textiles rising, India’s ability to blend tradition with tech gives it a real edge. You’ll find posts here that break down how to start a textile business, which fabrics are worth the cost, why Surat dominates, and how the 2025 policy changes everything for manufacturers. Whether you’re a buyer, a maker, or just curious, this collection shows you the real story behind the cloth you wear.