The Bowers Museum presents Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution featuring pieces from the world-renowned collection of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and several important international loans. This exhibition explores how over thousands of years India’s artisans have created, perfected and innovated printed and painted multicolored cotton fabrics to fashion the body, honor divinities, and beautify palaces and homes.

Exploring the fascinating stories behind the making and trade of these glorious pieces past and present, Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution considers India’s textile innovations and their influences on fashion, trade and industry around the world in places as far as Cairo, Japan, Sumatra, London, and Ottawa.

They were the luxury fabric of their day, coveted by all, and one of the great inventions that drew foreigners to India’s shores hungry for more. Discover how through trade routes, encounters, and exchange, these cloths connected cultures, inspired imitation and, quite literally, changed the world. Experience how India’s designers and makers today are innovating for new times and audiences.