Definition

Noun: * A coarse, handwoven cotton cloth traditionally made in India. It is typically produced using hand-spun yarn (often called khadi) on a handloom. The fabric is known for its textured, uneven appearance and its cultural and historical significance, particularly in association with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.

Usage

• As a common noun (uncountable): The word is used to refer to the fabric as a material or commodity.
  • The activist preferred to wear simple clothing made from khaddar.
  • The cooperative specializes in producing and selling authentic khaddar.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used attributively (like an adjective) to describe items made from this cloth.
  • He wore a khaddar kurta to the village meeting.
  • She bought a khaddar shawl from the artisan market.

Variants and Related Words

• Khadi: This is a closely related, often synonymous term. While emphasizes the coarse, homespun cloth, can refer more broadly to any hand-spun and hand-woven cloth, not exclusively cotton, and is strongly associated with the political movement.
• Handloom: A loom operated by hand, used to weave fabrics like khaddar.
• Homespun: A general English term for cloth made at home or in a small community, similar in concept to khaddar.

Synonyms

• Homespun cloth
• Handwoven cotton
• Khadi (in the Indian context)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is material-based, referring to a specific type of fabric.
• It carries strong socio-political and historical connotations in India, symbolizing nationalism, self-sufficiency, and rural craftsmanship.
• In modern usage, it can also represent sustainable and ethical fashion choices.

Noun

1. a coarse homespun cotton cloth made in India