The promotion of homespun cloth, or Khadi, by Mahatma Gandhi was a central tenet of his strategy for Indian independence. It represented a multifaceted approach that extended beyond mere economics.
The encouragement of self-sufficiency in textile production served as a direct challenge to British economic control. The British textile industry relied heavily on raw materials from India, which were then manufactured into cloth and sold back to the Indian population, often at inflated prices. By promoting the creation of their own textiles, Indians could boycott British goods, thereby weakening the economic foundation of colonial rule. This act of self-reliance fostered a sense of national pride and unity, empowering individuals to take control of their own economic destiny. It also provided a means of livelihood for many impoverished Indians, particularly in rural areas, offering an alternative to dependence on exploitative British systems.