India's handloom industry is a treasure trove of traditional fabrics that are woven using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. Each region in India has its own unique style of weaving that produces a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, and jute.
Unfortunately, many of these handloom fabrics are in danger of dying out due to the rise of mass-produced textiles and the lack of government support. In this blog, we will explore five types of India's handloom that are dying.
- Pochampally Ikat
Pochampally Ikat is a type of handloom fabric that originated in the Pochampally village of Telangana. The fabric is made using a unique resist-dyeing technique, where the yarn is tied and dyed in a way that creates a pattern when woven. This technique produces intricate and colorful designs that are characteristic of Pochampally Ikat. However, the rise of power looms and the lack of government support have caused many weavers to abandon this traditional craft.
- Baluchari
Baluchari is a type of handloom silk fabric that originated in the Baluchar village of West Bengal. The fabric is known for its intricate designs and is typically used for sarees and other traditional clothing. However, the decline of the handloom industry and the rising popularity of machine-made fabrics have caused many weavers to abandon the craft of Baluchari weaving.
- Chanderi
Chanderi is a type of handloom cotton and silk fabric that originated in the Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh. The fabric is known for its sheer texture, light weight, and intricate designs. However, the lack of government support and the rising popularity of synthetic fabrics have led to a decline in demand for Chanderi. This has caused many weavers to abandon the craft and seek work in other sectors.
- Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is a type of handloom silk fabric that originated in the Kanchipuram town of Tamil Nadu. The fabric is known for its rich colors and intricate designs, and it is typically used for sarees and other traditional clothing. However, the rise of power looms and the lack of government support have led to a decline in demand for Kanchipuram silk. This has caused many weavers to abandon the craft and seek work in other sectors.
- Sambalpuri
Sambalpuri is a type of handloom fabric that originated in the Sambalpur district of Odisha. The fabric is known for its unique tie-dyeing technique, where the yarn is tied and dyed before being woven. This technique produces intricate and colorful designs that are characteristic of Sambalpuri. However, the rise of power looms and the lack of government support have caused many weavers to abandon the craft of Sambalpuri weaving.
India's handloom industry is facing a crisis as many traditional fabrics are in danger of dying out. The decline of the handloom industry is not just an economic issue, but it also has cultural and social implications as it threatens the livelihoods of millions of weavers and artisans.
It is crucial that we take steps to preserve these traditional crafts and support the handloom industry in India. This can be done through promoting awareness, encouraging demand for traditional handloom fabrics, and providing government support to weavers and artisans. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and quality of India's handloom fabrics.
At KalaKart, we are doing our bit by bringing to you the best Handlooms of India. You can do your bit by buying them!
