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@article{208840,
        author = {Sherin Daisy.D and Anton R. Alcina and Thaniya Franklin.B and Ms.B.K.Binisha Joji},
        title = {Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Kanyakumari Through Digitally Printed Handloom Textiles},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {4},
        pages = {3034-3041},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=208840},
        abstract = {Kanyakumari district possesses a distinctive cultural heritage reflected through its historical dynasties, religious architecture, traditional jewellery, landscapes, and coastal identity. However, the visual representation of such regional heritage in contemporary textile design remains limited. The present study aimed to develop culturally inspired textile motifs representing selected heritage elements of Kanyakumari and integrate them into handloom veshti using Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfer printing. Five handloom veshtis were developed based on five thematic categories: historical dynasties of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya periods; geographical and iconic landmarks including the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, and coastal elements; the five Tamil Thinai landscapes; traditional temple jewellery; and regional architectural heritage represented by Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple. Cultural elements were documented, interpreted, stylised, and digitally developed into textile motifs before application onto the handloom substrate using DTF transfer printing. A symbolic design scale of 133 cm was incorporated into the Thiruvalluvar-inspired motif in relation to the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural and the 133-foot height of the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The developed textiles were evaluated for aesthetic appeal, cultural representation, colour harmony, motif suitability, and overall acceptability. 
The study demonstrates the potential of combining regional cultural heritage, handloom textiles, and digital printing technology to develop contemporary textile products while visually communicating and preserving the cultural identity of Kanyakumari. The proposed design framework may support further applications of regional heritage elements in contemporary textile and fashion design.},
        keywords = {Kanyakumari Heritage, Cultural Motifs, Handloom Veshti, DTF Transfer Printing, Textile Design, Thinai, Tamil Heritage, Cultural Representation.},
        month = {September},
        }