Weaving as a Livelihood Option: A Study of the Bhulia Weaver Community in Odisha, India

Abstract

The cultural tradition of Indian textile craft is diverse and deep. Weaving is a technique for making textiles. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the research was carried out in a hamlet in a notable cluster in the western part of Odisha, India. The study has revealed that weavers in Odisha confront a range of challenges, including poor marketing tactics, administrative failure, a lack of technological competence, inadequate infrastructure, the unavailability of power looms, a lack of government support, etc. The analysis shows that despite the expensive and quality product, most of the weavers are unhappy with the financial gain. The mediator is crucial in marketing. However, when it comes to financial gain, they benefit more than the weavers. Despite the prevalence of several government schemes for supporting the weaver community, not a single weaver from this hamlet has registered as an entrepreneur. The majority of them rely on the meager amount of money earned through weaving as a livelihood option to support their families. Against this backdrop, the paper addresses various livelihood challenges confronted by the weavers in western Odisha. The study recommends some measures and tactics that could support the weaver community.