Ontology of Patola Saree: Tracing its Journey from Indian Heirloom to Global Cultural Icon

Abstract

The term “ontology” refers to the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence, and relations among entities. It expands conceptual understanding both broadly and deeply. In applied contexts, ontology is used to define the fundamental structure of a domain, identifying its core components, relationships, and hierarchical organisation in the form of entities and slots. This flexibility allows scholars to develop structured frameworks, apply algorithms, and explore domain-specific expansions with relevant aspects and future-oriented perspectives. Ontology serves as an inclusive research methodology that enables the representation of core concepts, relevant queries, and their resolutions, often in keyword-based or procedural formats. Its applications span various disciplines, offering a structured approach to domain analysis. In this study, ontology is employed to explore the domain of Humanities, with a particular focus on a niche aspect—the Patola saree, an exquisite textile tradition of India. Though Humanities is an extensive and philosophically profound field, this research delves into a specific cultural artifact—the Patola saree, examining its cultural significance, intricate patterns, and weaving techniques through an ontological framework. The saree, an integral part of Indian heritage, has been deeply embedded in society since ancient times. It represents a confluence of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. The process of saree-making reflects human ingenuity, creativity, and socio-cultural influences. This study identifies key relationships among major elements such as society, people, culture, colours, weaving processes, natural influences, and more to establish an ontological connection between textile traditions and the humanities. By developing an ontology for the Patola saree, this research contributes to the broader objective of structuring knowledge for applications in museology and archaeology. It aims to define relationships between prototype materials, cultural narratives, and historical artifacts, facilitating the creation of ontologies for heritage preservation, museum documentation, and digital archiving.