Tuhil, inspired by the Tamil word from the Sangam era meaning 'fabric,' is a dream venture that embodies a deep passion for South Indian culture.
Founded by business and life partners S. Jayakumar, a researcher in South Indian Cultural History, and Varsha Kumar, an arts and culture management consultant, Tuhil represents their commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of South Indian heritage through handwoven fabrics.
Their journey is a testament to their shared desire to go down a path less chosen.
Tuhil was born out of a love to see South Indian culture represented on the global map. The vibrant artistic expression found in handwoven fabrics speaks volumes of an unbroken tradition spanning centuries. Each region of South India boasts its unique weave, reflecting a thriving market that achieved great sophistication over centuries. However, colonisation and the advent of power looms pushed handlooms into obscurity, as they were seen as time-consuming and expensive.
After Independence, significant efforts were made to revive Indian handlooms, preserving this precious cultural legacy and creating new markets. Despite this progress, the journey to sustainability for the handloom industry continues.
Tuhil is part of this renaissance, focusing on reviving, recreating, and preserving South Indian handlooms. Our emphasis on colors, designs, textures, and weaving techniques sets us apart. Each weave is meticulously handwoven in looms across South India, specifically established for Tuhil.
House of Tuhil celebrates South Indian artistry. It is an ode to the nuanced sensibilities of a forgotten era. Our dedication to ethical practices and fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage is at the heart of our brand.
Welcome to Tuhil, where every thread tells a story and every weave is a celebration of tradition and artistry.
S. Jayakumar
S. Jayakumar
S. Jayakumar is a classical musician, researcher and social entrepreneur from Tamilnadu. He describes himself as a seeker of knowledge in India’s vast cultural heritage and plays a crucial role in conservation, preservation, and fostering awareness of our country’s heritage through his many endeavours.
His worldview was shaped in his formative years as a student at Kalakshetra. After being closely associated with some of the best scholars and academicians there, he embarked on a journey full of opportunities. He attempts to give back to society by sparking a curiosity in young minds about cultural heritage. His profound love for culture seamlessly extended to a connection with textiles and handloom, ultimately inspiring the creation of “Tuhil”- a harmonious blend of heritage and craftsmanship. More on www.sjayakumar.com
Varsha Kumar
Varsha Kumar
Varsha, the curator of sarees at the House of Tuhil, is a passionate connoisseur of India’s textile heritage. Her discerning eye for detail seamlessly blends traditional and modern aesthetics. Through these textiles that each carry timeless stories in their folds, her efforts are towards redefining the consumption of India’s handlooms.
Varsha’s able stewardship elevates the House of Tuhil from being a retail space to becoming an immersive experience for handloom enthusiasts. Her commitment to sustainability and ethical practices throughout the production chain makes Tuhil an enduring force in the world of culture and heritage.
