Handholding Handlooms

The government's recent measures are aimed at reviving the rich heritage of handloom sector and enriching its weavers.

- K V Venkatasubramanian

A riot of colours, eye-riveting designs, scintillating hues and entrancing interlacing of warps and wefts give these fabrics a distinctive appeal. From the NorthEast and Kashmir to the southern tip of the country, these fabrics have distinguishing features that impart a unique exotic appeal. Through centuries, handlooms have been associated with excellence in India's artistry in fabrics and providing a source of livelihood to millions of crafts-persons in almost every State.

Despite sweeping changes, the tradition of art and craft has been kept alive due to continuous efforts of generations of artists and craftsmen. They have weaved their dreams and visions into exquisite handloom products and transferred their skills to their progenies.

From ancient times, Indian handloom products have been identified by their impeccable quality. These include muslin of Chanderi, silk brocades of Varanasi, the tie-and-dye products of Rajasthan and Odisha, the Chintas of Machhlipatnam, the Himroos of Hyderabad, the Khes of Punjab, the prints of Farrukhabad, the Phenek and Tongam and bottle designs of Assam and Manipur, the Maheshwari sarees of Madhya Pradesh and the Patola sarees of Vadodara.

Furthermore, the skill involved in producing these special handloom products - such as the Kancheepuram and Benaras silks, the Kosa and Moga silk from Chhattisgarh and Assam respectively, or the Jamdhani from Bengal, the Bhagalpur silk, the Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh and the Tussar and Ikat of Odisha - is a part of a special cultural capital. Though the lighter, Western clothing is preferred today, most of us still do not miss the most intricately-woven traditional clothing on special occasions, like weddings and festivals.

Tough times