Title: The Woven Mind - Projection of higher dimensional thoughts in Patan Patola’s geometry

Abstract:
Ancient temple cities in India are also home to unique textile weaving clusters that not only trace cultural evolution but also project profound, timeless ideas. Varanasi, Kanchivaram, and Patan are prime examples, with my thesis focusing on the Patan Patola—a textile tradition with over a millennium of history. Patan Patola symbolises centuries of cultural evolution, representing higher-dimensional thoughts through its intricate design. The double ikat resist-dyeing technique used in the Patan Patola creates wearable textile art by pre-dyeing both warp and weft threads to achieve intricate, sharply defined geometric motifs that are woven on an unique, tilted loom with perfect alignment. This method results in reversible designs that can be worn on either side, while natural dyes provide vibrant, fade-resistant colours. Additionally, the interplay of threads produces a floating pattern effect, adding depth and dimension. Geometric shapes that carry symbolic meanings (Nari Kunjar, meaning "woman and elephant”, referring to Krishna-Gopika duality), are blended with floral designs, and human or animal figures in grids and rows extended across the saree's body, border, and the decorative end piece known as the pallu. Higher cognitive thoughts emerge in grids in human brain, here in the Patan Patola, grids are cues to layers of art superimposed one above another. Precision requirements down to 1/100th of an inch, extended production times of 6-12 months per sari, involves complex mathematical calculations for spatial reasoning in pattern alignment and sensory integration encompassing visual, tactile, and proprioceptive engagement. The speciality of the Patan Patola is that no graph papers are used to aid the weaver. The pattern is etched in the mind of the weaver. These technical aspects collectively require sustained focus and awareness and entering the ‘flow state’, thus aligning the weaving process with established mindfulness principles.