Knowledge Lab: The Handmade Life:- Survival & Revival Of Indian Handlooms

Indians knew the art of weaving even 5000 years ago, Madhu Sood, Textile Researcher and Curator stated, as she narrated the historical heritage of our Handlooms. The world learnt the art of weaving and dyeing from us. Handlooms go through several processes – spinning yarn, dyeing, designing, weaving which together push up the pricing slightly, but they are not expensive given the feel, comfort, look and power to empower, she explained.

Just as the spinning wheel was a touchstone of the Indian independence movement, handloom is an enduring symbol of our strive for self-reliance, said Chairperson Usharani Manne in her opening remarks.

Gaurang Shah urged for the use of handlooms for educational, corporate and retail uniforms. He also spoke about his Raja Ravi Varma project wherein he has woven

Chintakindi Mallesham, recipient of Padma Shri for his invention, Laxmi Asu machine, shared details about the struggle of weavers, and what prompted him to invent the Machine that reduces the efforts required by weavers, from 5 hours to 1.5 hours. It reduces effort, improves efficiency and productivity, because of which the youth are getting back to weaving and young girls are able to pursue studies, he shared.

Mamatha Reddy, the creator of the Kalamkari saree wave, shared the differentiating factors in identifying authentic Kalamkari from the screen-printed version.