around the 3rd century bc, during the indus valley civilization, textiles were manufactured from animal hair, wool, cotton, and silk. numerous small kingdoms and dynasties contributed to the development of the textile industry in india. at that time, the indian products were highly appreciated by the romans, chinese and other asian traders but since several religions such as buddhism, and sikhism encouraged people to give up luxurious items as a path to enlightenment, the textile industry declined. still, a significant expansion of the textile trade took place in india during the medieval period (12th-15th century). large quantities of north indian silk were traded to western countries via the silk road in china. the indian silks were often traded with the western countries for their spices in the exchanged barter system.