The textile industry of Madhya Pradesh has long been a part of the rich heritage of India, Ancient texts speak of Madhya Pradesh as a famous centre of weaving between 7th century and 2nd century BC. Weavers settled in Maheshwar from Surat, Burhanpur and Banaras, at the insistence of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who supported the growth of handloom weaving.
It is believed that quilts printed in Bherongarh near Ujjain which has large printer communities were presented in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar and were exported to Europe during the pre-independence days by the East India Co.
In the first of 20th centaury , Indore ,Ujjain ,Gwalilor & Ratlam were Developed & known for Big Textile field with the presence of huge sizes composite textiles mills like Hukumchand ,Rajkumar ,Malwa ,Vinod ,Sajjan Mills and Jiyajirao etc.
A Leading role used to be played by Indore in deciding Cotton rates and its export.
Presently Technologically advanced and flourishing units such as Grasim, S.Kumars, SKNL, Century , Raymond, Vikram Woolen Mills, Pratibha Syntex, CLC Group, STI Group, Jaideep, Maral over seas, Mahima, Ritspin, Parasrampuria International, Central Sliver Plant, SRF are already present in the state. Many more leading like Trident & Vardhman have also chosen to invest here to capitalize on the geographical location which will further contribute in enhancing the identity of the state in the global map
Industrial Pioneer
Sir Seth Hukam Chand became a leading business magnate of the country doing speculative and ready trade in commodities on a large scale. He was known as 'Cotton Prince of India' and had much credit even in some overseas countries. His offices were located in important cities of India.
He established cotton mills (Malwa Mill, Hukam Chand Mill and Raj Kumar Mill at Ujjain), and a large Jute Mill and Iron Mill at Calcutta, He was a pioneer in 'Swadeshi Industry'. He was the first Indian businessman to set up a Jute Mill. He built the Grand Mansion ; The Indra Bhawan with a guest house fit for kings.
