Pronunciation: [kˈɑːdɪ] (IPA) 
Khadi is a term commonly used in Indian clothing. The word is spelled with the use of the characters "k", "h", "a", "d", and "i". The letter "k" is pronounced with the sound /k/, the "h" with /h/, while the "a" is pronounced as short /æ/. The "d" sound in Khadi is a voiceless dental plosive pronounced as /d̪/. The final "i" is pronounced similar to the "ee" sound and is represented as /iː/. Together, the word is pronounced as /kʰædi/.
Khadi is a term that refers to a hand-woven fabric that is commonly made from cotton in India. It holds significant cultural and historical importance in the country. The term "khadi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "khaddar," which means "raw cotton."
The production of khadi is deeply intertwined with Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement during India's struggle for independence. Gandhi promoted khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, encouraging Indians to produce and wear it as a way to boycott British-made textiles. He saw khadi as a means to empower rural communities and revitalize the country's economy.
Khadi is recognized for its unique characteristics. It is typically lightweight, breathable, and absorbent, making it suitable for wearing in India's hot and humid climate. The fabric has a slightly coarse texture due to the hand-spinning and hand-weaving techniques employed in its production. This intricate craftsmanship gives khadi its distinctive charm and sets it apart from machine-made textiles.
Nowadays, khadi is not only a symbol of nationalism and independence but also a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced fabrics. It is often considered a symbol of pride and heritage, worn on special occasions and by those with a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
In summary, khadi is a hand-woven fabric made from cotton, carrying historical and cultural significance in India. It embodies ideas of self-reliance, sustainability, and national identity, making it an important part of the country's textile heritage.
The word "khadi" comes from the Hindi language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Sanskrit word "khaḍiraḥ", which refers to a coarse, hand-spun and handwoven fabric made out of cotton or silk. In Hindi, "khaḍi" refers to the process of hand-spinning and hand-weaving fabric, while "khadi" specifically indicates the cloth produced through this method. The term gained prominence due to its association with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement, as he promoted the use of khadi fabric as a means of economic self-reliance and resistance against British colonial rule.
