About us
Slideshow
Tuhil derived from the Sangam-era Tamil word for “fabric” is rooted in the landscapes, histories, and cultural memory of South India.
Founded in 2022 by business and life partners S. Jayakumar, a researcher in South Indian cultural history, and Varsha Kumar, an arts and culture management consultant, Tuhil was born from a mission to revive regional handloom traditions.
Rooted in the long history of Indian textiles, Tuhil responds to the decline of handlooms caused by colonial disruption and the rise of power looms. While revival efforts emerged post-Independence, sustainability remains a challenge.
Tuhil is part of this ongoing renaissance, focusing on reviving, recreating, and preserving South Indian handlooms through ethical practice, education, and close collaboration with weaving communities—ensuring that the craft remains both culturally meaningful and economically viable.
notes from the loom
Every Tuhil saree begins with the careful selection of pure mulberry silk and fine zari — materials chosen for their strength, luminosity, and longevity.
The silk is dyed in individual hues, sun-dried, and strengthened using kanji, a traditional rice-water treatment that prepares the yarn for the loom. The threads are then spun and plied into a durable three-ply silk — a hallmark of Kanchipuram weaving.
On the loom, the saree slowly takes form. Using the traditional korvai technique, the body and contrasting borders are woven separately and interlocked by hand. Temple-inspired motifs, architectural lines, and nature inspired motifs emerge through the weaver’s skill and precision. The body and pallu, often in distinct colours, are joined with a subtle serrated edge — a quiet signature of craftsmanship.
Woven entirely on handlooms, each saree can take up to thirty days to complete. At the House of Tuhil, this process is not merely production — it is preservation. Every weave carries forward inherited knowledge, cultural memory, and the enduring artistry of South Indian handloom traditions.
Meet Rukmani Amma
An accomplished artisan weaver, Rukmani Amma has been at the heart of the House of Tuhil since 2019.
Her hands carry years of dedication to the loom, sustaining traditions that define our craft. Discover her story in the video below.
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The Founders
S Jayakumar & Varsha kumar
A classical musician, researcher and entrepreneur, S Jayakumar 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.
Closely mentored by distinguished scholars and practitioners, he developed a deep commitment to sustaining cultural legacies.
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, the curator of sarees at the House of Tuhil, is a passionate custodian of India’s textile heritage with a keen eye for blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
Under her stewardship, Tuhil transcends retail, offering an immersive handloom experience. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, she redefines the way India’s handlooms are cherished and consumed.
Tuhil in the Spotlight
