Weaving - Human Transformation

Weaving - Human Transformation

(Animal to Human Transformation)

The Ancient Origins and Profound Impact of Weaving on Human Civilization

Humanity’s journey through the ages has been survival, innovation, and creativity. For the last 2.4 million years, humans have evolved, learned, and adapted to their environment. Interestingly, modern science tells us that humans began wearing clothes only around 50,000 years ago. This estimate is based on archaeological evidence and artifacts discovered over the years. One such example is a recent study in the caves of the Republic of Georgia, where fibers dating back approximately 34,000 years were found. Until recently, the oldest known artifacts related to weaving were thought to be around 26,000 years old, based on discoveries in the Czech Republic.

Despite these remarkable European findings, the history of Indian weaving technology has remained largely unexplored. Current artifacts in India, specifically from the Mohenjo-Daro civilization, date back only 6,000 years. Intriguingly, it has been discovered that people in this ancient civilization wore garments resembling the sarees we weave today. However, this is merely scratching the surface of India's rich textile tradition, as there is compelling evidence suggesting that Indian weaving technology may be much older than modern science currently recognizes.

Indian Weaving: A Neglected Legacy

If more research is conducted in this field, there is a high likelihood that India's weaving traditions will be revealed as the oldest in the world, predating many known technologies. The Puranas and Vedas, which are the sacred texts of India, contain references to ancient Indian weaving techniques. Sadly, these historical texts have been neglected by modern scientists, who have focused on tangible artifacts rather than the knowledge preserved in ancient literature. But times are changing, and scholars are beginning to explore these texts with a renewed interest in uncovering their scientific significance.

This begs the question: Why is it so important to research and identify the age of Indian weaving technology? The answer lies in understanding that weaving is not just an art—it is the first major technological advancement in human history.

Weaving: The Catalyst for Human Innovation

In the early stages of human development, finding food was a basic survival instinct, much like it is for other animals. However, creating clothes marked a pivotal moment in our transformation from animals to humans. While agriculture is often seen as one of humanity’s most significant innovations, it must be noted that food gathering is a fundamental need shared by all living creatures. Many animals display intelligent behavior in securing food—for example, crows can recognize human faces and communicate food availability to others. At the same time, ants work together to locate and store food supplies.

But no animal other than humans has ever created clothes. This act of inventing garments is where the human brain truly began its creative transformation, marking the start of mankind’s journey toward higher intelligence and technological advancement.

Weaving: A Driving Force Behind Brain Growth

Modern science acknowledges that there is a direct connection between brain growth and creative activities involving the use of our hands. Studies have shown that simultaneously performing different activities with both hands can significantly increase brain creativity. For instance, musicians who use both hands for distinct actions show an average increase of 9% in the size of the corpus callosum, the part of the brain that connects its two hemispheres.

Before humans began weaving, most hand movements were repetitive or involved simple tasks. However, weaving required the use of both hands for different actions over extended periods of time, which enhanced creativity and led to a more sophisticated use of the brain. This creative spark, ignited by weaving, helped humans evolve intellectually, laying the foundation for many other advancements in technology, science, and art.

Even in spiritual practices, we see echoes of this ancient wisdom. During traditional Hindu poojas, one hand rings a bell while the other performs an arathi. This act symbolizes the belief that using both hands in harmony fosters creativity and stimulates brain growth, a concept our ancestors intuitively understood long before it was validated by modern neuroscience.

The Ever-Evolving Art of Weaving

As humans began to weave, their brains evolved rapidly, leading to extraordinary advancements in every field. The creativity that began with the simple act of weaving led to the development of technologies that changed the course of human history.

Today, weaving remains one of the most dynamic and innovative fields globally. The possibilities for textile and design technology are limitless, and the field continues to evolve with new techniques and discoveries being made every day. Indian weaving has its roots in the ancient wisdom of the Vedas and Puranas, where Devala Maharishi is revered as the inventor of modern weaving. According to these texts, Devala Maharishi’s contributions were more than just technological—they were pivotal in transforming humans into a more advanced species.

Weaving: The Foundation of Human Civilization

The history of Devala Maharishi is not just the history of an individual; it is the history of human transformation. It is how mankind evolved from survival to creating art, technology, and culture. It is the story of how the mind expanded its horizons, and weaving was at the heart of this transformation.

As offspring of Devala Maharishi, we should take immense pride in this heritage. We should celebrate the fact that weaving has helped us survive, thrive, and innovate. Our ancestors have left us a legacy of creativity and technological advancement that we must continue to explore. The wings of innovation in weaving are boundless, and if we expand them, we can increase our prosperity and make sure the survival of this ancient art in modern times.

As Swami Vivekananda once said:

“All power is within you. You can do anything and everything.”

Let us embrace this power, honor our heritage, and continue the journey of exploration and innovation in weaving.

Jai Devanga!
Jai Sri Chowdeshwari Matha!
Jai Sri Devala Maharishi!

Article by: 

K Senthil Kumar, MCA, PGDBA, CCNP, ITIL, ISO/IEC 20000