Weaving Futures: A Qualitative Review of Jamdani at the Nexus of Tradition, Innovation, Sustainability, and Education

Jamdani weaving, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bengal, represents a distinctive intersection of artistry, cultural identity, and socio-economic history. Despite its historical significance, this centuries-old craft faces increasing challenges due to mechanization, the expansion of fast fashion, and the gradual decline of intergenerational knowledge transmission. This study explores Jamdani through a qualitative literature review, focusing on its position at the intersection of tradition, design innovation, sustainable enterprise, and education. Drawing on Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach, relevant academic studies, heritage reports, and fashion-related research were examined. The findings indicate that these four dimensions are deeply interconnected: tradition sustains cultural continuity, innovation enables adaptation to changing markets, sustainable enterprise supports livelihoods, and education ensures long-term skill transmission. At the same time, the study identifies several gaps, particularly the limited availability of field-based research and the need for stronger integration between research, policy, and education. By proposing the concept of “weaving futures,” this paper positions Jamdani not as a static heritage artifact, but as an evolving cultural system. The findings offer insights for researchers, designers, educators, and policymakers working toward sustainable cultural practices in a globalized context.