Evolution of Cotton Cultivation: From Ancient Civilizations to the Global Textile Industry

Cotton, one of the most important fibers used in textile production, is believed to have been first cultivated in ancient civilizations. The exact origin of cotton cultivation is not definitively known, but historical evidence suggests that cotton was first domesticated in the Indian subcontinent around 6,000 years ago.

 

The earliest evidence of cotton cultivation and the use of cotton fibers comes from the Mehrgarh archaeological site in present-day Pakistan, where remnants of cotton dating back to around 5000 BCE have been found. From the Indian subcontinent, knowledge of cotton cultivation and the use of cotton fibers spread to other regions.

The term "cotton" traces its linguistic roots to Arabic, specifically originating from the word قطن (qutn or qutun). This term was commonly used in medieval Arabic to refer to cotton.

Imagined cotton plants drawn by John Mandeville in the 14th century. He said "There grew there [India] a wonderful tree which bore tiny lambs on the endes of its branches. These branches were so pliable that they bent down to allow the lambs to feed when they are hungrie."

Cotton became a major crop in the Indus Valley Civilization and later in the civilizations of ancient Egypt, China, and the Americas. Each of these cultures contributed to the development of cotton cultivation and textile production in their own way.

In ancient times, cotton was laboriously cultivated and processed by hand. Over centuries, selective breeding and agricultural advancements led to the development of different cotton varieties with improved fiber quality. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, cotton became a key player in the textile industry, leading to significant economic and social changes. The widespread cultivation of cotton in various parts of the world contributed to the growth of global trade and the establishment of textile manufacturing as a major industry.