ALTAF KHAN

Altaf Khan is a traditional Maheshwari handloom weaver, master trainer, and textile technical professional based in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh—one of India’s most celebrated handloom heritage towns. With over 7 years of hands-on experience, his practice bridges generational weaving knowledge and contemporary textile education.

Rooted in community-based learning and formal training from the Weavers Service Center and The Handloom School, Altaf specializes in Maheshwari handloom weaving, motif graphing, jala making, dobby design, and multi-shaft weaving. His work reflects a deep understanding of fibers, yarns, fabric structures, and loom technologies, combined with a strong design sensibility.

As a Technical Assistant at IIT Bombay, Altaf trains BTech, BDes, MTech, MDes, and PhD students in weaving processes and studio practices, while managing advanced weaving studios and looms. His role focuses on translating traditional handloom techniques into structured learning environments for design and engineering education.

Beyond academia, Altaf is an active master trainer and production supervisor, having trained more than 30 weavers for livelihood development through government and institutional projects. He collaborates with designers on collection development, ensures quality control, and supports innovation within handloom production systems.

Driven by the philosophy of “crafting tradition with innovation,” Altaf Khan continues to strengthen Maheshwari weaving by blending heritage skills with modern design thinking, education, and sustainable studio management.