Figure 1: Map of India showing major geographical regions. (National Geographic, 2014)
“India, is a country that occupies the greater part of South Asia. It is made up of 28 states and eight union territories, and its national capital is New Delhi” (Calkins & Allchin, 2018). India’s geography is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from the towering Himalayas in the north to the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain, the dry Thar Desert in the northwest, and the lush Western Ghats on the west coast. It has a mix of tropical climates with wet and dry areas, and the northern parts experience a humid tropical climate. As National Geographic (2014) notes, India is surrounded by water on three sides, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the southeast and the Arabian Sea to the southwest, with the Himalayas rising in the north. The central region includes the high Deccan Plateau, while the eastern coast is known for its river deltas and tropical islands like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India is flanked by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean and shares borders with several countries, such as “borders with Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan in the north” (India: Discover its Diverse Climate and Geography, 2019). The varied landscapes and climatic zones play a crucial role in shaping the country’s agriculture, wildlife, and overall environmental landscape. The diverse landscapes and climate zones are essential in shaping the country’s agriculture, wildlife, and overall environmental conditions.
India’s cultural geography and complex economic landscape have a huge impact on global garment and textile commerce. “The Constitution of India recognizes 22 languages as scheduled languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, and others” (Vedanta, 2024). The country is well-known for its vibrant traditions, regional fashions, and different wear preferences, which represent the several states’ languages, religions, and customs. Traditional clothing like saris, dhotis, and kurta pajamas, for example, vary widely between regions, appealing to both local and worldwide markets. In addition to cultural aspects, India’s economic geography is crucial to the textile industry. “The buzzing cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi contain a melting pot of rapid economic development and technological innovation, with a notable example being the continually expanding telecommunications sector” (Scroope, 2018). The interrelationship of urban areas like Mumbai and Delhi attracts individuals from rural regions seeking opportunities, while those rural areas contribute crucial food and supplies to the city. Economically, India is a member of the G8, and it is widely acknowledged as an active rising market that influences global economic trends essential to the G8. With its rapid economic expansion and large customer base, India has a considerable effect on global economic dynamics. Furthermore, India’s participation in sustainable development projects aligns with the G8’s priorities for climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Also, different states are interdependent, with industrialized regions relying on agricultural supplies from states like Punjab. This dependency promotes commerce and helps to balance growth throughout the country. With a fast-rising economy, India has emerged as a key hub for textile manufacture and commerce. Vedanta (2024) highlights that regional crops and spices contribute to diverse cuisines. Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore serve as important centers for fashion and textile commerce, drawing worldwide firms aiming to reach a large consumer base. The economic variety between urban and rural locations impacts purchasing behavior, with premium companies catering to rich consumers in cities and more economical options accessible in smaller towns.
