In India, cotton textile is an ancient and traditional industry. Its record is found in the manuscripts of Herodotus (434 BC), discovery of Harappa and Mohenjo – daro (5000 to 8000 BC) and in the Pyramids of Egypt. In ancient time, Roman women took pride in wearing Indian silk and Chintz. In ancient, time the entire textile work was done by handlooms. Major centers were present between Nagapatnam and Dhaka on the eastern coast and Surat – Bharuch situated on the western coast.

In India, modern were industry was started in Kolkata, in 1818 by Kavas Ji Dabur. The number of mills became 12 by 1861. The number of mills increased to 417 by 1945. After independence, continuous development took place in cotton textile industry. At present, this industry is providing employment to almost 4.5 crore people. The number of organised mills in textile industry is 1969. Out of these, 1717 are spinning and 198 are composite mills. In India, the consumption of cloth per person per year was 43.1 square meter in 2009 – 10.

Causes of Much Centralization in Maharashtra and Gujarat: Following are the causes:

1. In both states, climate is wet due to coastal location. This is ideal for cotton textile. 

2. Black soil is found in both states which is more suitable for cotton production. 

3. Due to coastal location import and export facilities are there. 

4. Due to large population in both states, sufficient market is found here. 

5. Due to development of transportation, ideal conditions have emerged. 

6. Inclination of people of these states towards industries and capital availability provided ideal condition to this industry.