Handloom Weavers Research Articles

“Such cognizance of men and things”: Glimpses of Life and Work in the Margins of George Eliot’s Fiction

Dans la recension que fit George Eliot du poème de Browning Hommes et femmes en 1856, elle cite des vers révélant les capacités d’observation du poète qui, « regardant travailler le cordonnier », « en tire une connaissance des hommes et des choses. » En tant que romancière, elle fait preuve des mêmes facultés d’observation, et l’on trouve dans ses romans, en marge de l’intrigue principale, de tels aperçus de la vie et du travail ordinaire, qu’il s’agisse du tisserand entrevu à travers une fenêtre dans le premier récit des Scènes de la vie cléricale , de la scène bien connue où Dorothea contemple par la fenêtre les silhouettes de paysans dans Middlemarch , ou encore du petit garçon déguisé dans la scène d’ouverture de Daniel Deronda . Quel que soit leur but, ces scènes sont caractéristiques du réalisme d’Eliot : en détournant l’attention du lecteur des personnages principaux, elles font jaillir pour lui de nouvelles intuitions et une nouvelle compréhension de l’œuvre.

Comparative Economics of Dharmavaram Handloom Weavers- A Study in Anantapur District

The study is based on primary data from 70 handloom weavers. Four types of weavers were identified viz., independent, master weavers, weavers under master and weavers under dani. The net income per annum was more for weaver under dani (`144107) as compared to independent weaver (`128763). Weaver under master weavers worked as skilled labourers who earned on per piece basis. The net income of master weavers operating large units was higher compared to medium and small units. The per day net earnings was `400 for weaver under dani’s followed by independent weaver (`357) and weaver under master weaver (`336).

Financial Problems Faced by Handloom Weavers in Chendamangalam Cooperative Society

Handloom sector, the second largest employment provider in the country after agriculture sector, is depending over 16 million weavers and they were chosen this century old traditional hand woven textile industry as their livelihood. Because of the unique traditional designs and quality of the hand crafted artifacts, the popularity and its demand is very high both nationally and internationally. This study is mainly concentrated on Chendamangalam handloom cooperative society in Ernakulam district. This study focuses on the various financial problems faced by the handloom weavers in Chendamangalam handloom cooperative society as well as the schemes available from the government. From the study it was found that the weavers are not satisfied with their financial rewards from this special skilled job, as they received only meagre income. They also received lack of support from the government in this regard. Because of meagre income and lack of government support, no one is ready to enter in this field of weaving, the study found. Since the handloom sector is one among the contributors of the Indian economy, their existence is inevitable and the government should take necessary measures to improve their current financial situation for the survival of the industry.

Analyzing constraints of handloom weavers in the western zone of Tamil Nadu using rank-based quotient technique

The handloom weavers were the backbone of Indian textile industry for many years. The weavers had maintained and transferred the tradition of uniqueness and excellence to many generations which made the Indian textile industry to hold a significant position in the contribution of GDP to the country’s economic development. Despite being a labour-intensive sector, the population of handloom weavers has been reduced drastically in recent times. The present study was conducted to analyse the constraints faced by the weavers in the weaving industry in the western zone of Tamil Nadu. A total of 120 handloom weavers were selected as the study population through simple random sampling technique. Rank-based quotient technique was applied to find the major constraints of the handloom weavers and to prioritize them based on their significance. The involvement of middlemen followed by the competition from power loom sectors and low profit of the business were identified as the major problems among the weavers in the districts of Coimbatore and Erode.

Dummy variable regression to compare and post GST condition of handloom weavers

Dummy variable regression to compare and post GST condition of handloom weavers

Involvement of Women of Assam in Handloom Weaving Industry: Exploring a Linkage with Their Socio-Economic Conditions

The purpose of this paper is to delineate involvement of women in weaving industry in Assam, India and its inter-relationship with socio-economic conditions of the women. The weaving industry constitutes a timeless facet of the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Highest proportion of weavers in India can be seen in Assam and around 99 per cent of them are women. Weaving in Assam is the monopoly of Women folk irrespective of any caste or community. However opposite situation can be noticed with respect to the average number of days of work per adult handloom weaver per year in Assam as it is far below than the other states of India. It can be well acknowledged that socio-economic characteristics must conceivably influence in their involvement. Based on a primary survey of 166 women involved in weaving, a correlation matrix has been constructed to examine the issue. The analysis clearly shows that socio-economic factors such as income and education positively correlate with involvement of women in weaving.

Determining the musculoskeletal disorders as the most common work-related injuries, especially in the crafts using the OCRA evaluation method

Introduction: The condition of work in handloom weaving industries cause musculoskeletal (MSDS) disorders which are the most prevailing professional problem among weavers. The aim of this research was to determine ergonomic risk factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Method: The present study was done through descriptive cross-section method to assess the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the weavers. Our data collection tools were: demographic questionnaire, job Nordic questionnaire and body map prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders to decide the rate of symptoms. Then, we took film from handloom weavers while wearing to know the condition of their bodies. After reviewing the films, the posture marks was assigned to each duty using the Ergo Intelligence software. At the end, data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS ver.20. Results: The results showed that the most frequent incidence of pain in different organs of the body during last year belonged to neck and shoulder. The average OCRA was 3.65.This indicated that most of the handloom weavers (64.4%) are at high risk. Conclusion: According to the re According to the results of OCRA indices, weavers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, indicating their poor working environment and working conditions, indicating the need for corrective actions.

A Critical Access on Improving Productivity and Livelihood of Handloom Weavers

Weight of traditional jacquard machine is reduced by modifying its components dimension and size. Pneumatic and electric lifting mechanism adopted on jacquard machine handloom and its productivity was studied and compared with traditional jacquard machine. Its productivity and earnings are discussed in this paper to enhance the livelihood of handloom weavers.

Crafting Innovation, Weaving Sustainability

Abstract Handloom weaving in India is a vibrant and dynamic craft-based technology that is more than two thousand years old. It is the second-largest provider of rural livelihoods, with a 10 percent share of the domestic textile market, unified under the cultural brand of “handloom.” Yet weavers, like other craftspeople in India, stand in the shadow of deep divisions: rich/poor, urban/rural, modern/traditional, Brahmin/Dalit, educated scientist/illiterate laborer. As a system of knowledge, handloom weaving is associated with a museumized past rather than a promising future; the weaver is seen as a laboring body rather than an innovative mind. Yet through theorizing handloom weaving as sociotechnology, this essay endeavors to explicate the sustainability and innovation in handloom weaving. Studying examples of innovation in handloom weavers, the essay explores craft livelihoods as offering the opportunity for political action: as a unifying device for cultural cohesion, as embodied knowledge that engages both mind and body, and as a tool for justice and equity.

Advancement of Khadi Textile: Textile Glummer of India

Khadi fabric is the textile glummer of India and has been started to use in India from at least ten decades ago (from 1920s). Normally it consist of cotton, wool, silk like natural fibre etc. and the concern fabric is made by hand made (by charka spinning technology) yarn and in the traditional handloom process. Normally, different kind of natural dyes (vegetable based, wastage material based, tannin based colour) and the eco-friendly synthetic dyes are used for the coloration of the khadi textile. In addition some traditional printing techniques like hand screen printing, block printing is used for the special effect on the khadi textile. Concerning the value addition, only stiff khadi fabric is marketed which is made by adding starch. However, some special low cost other value addition of the khadi fabric will make it more acceptable to the consumers of the India and also in the other countries. In this respect, bioactive based finish and the mosquito repellent khadi textile is very much important. This kind of functionality will make the fabric hygienic in terms of attack by deadly mosquitoes and also some harmful microorganisms. Apart from it, if it is possible to make UV protective and the fire retardant khadi textile, it will increase its popularity and also gain the socio economic importancy to the consumers and the handloom weavers of India and the other subcontinental countries.

Socio-Economic Conditions of Handloom Weavers: A Case Study of Weavers in Zuangtui Cluster, Aizawl, Mizoram

Handloom weaving, known to the Mizos right from the historic ages plays an important role in the economic development of Mizoram. It contributes significantly in generating employment opportunities and sustaining livelihood to the weavers. In the present study, an analysis is done on the socio-economic profile of handloom weavers and problems of this industry in Zuangtui Handloom Cluster that lies at the outskirt of Aizawl City, Mizoram. This study is conducted on the basis of both primary and secondary data sources. It reveals that the condition of the weavers is weak due to financial constraints, health problem and poor Government support.

Body discomfort perceived by handloom weavers

Body discomfort perceived by handloom weavers

Impact of globalization on the handloom industry – A case study of the Hugli district of West Bengal

Abstract The concept of globalization appeared in the Indian subcontinent in 1991. With the onset of liberalization, privatization and globalization a new chapter has been opened up in the Indian economy and her billion plus population. The Hugli district is one of the most renowned names in the handloom industry of West Bengal and a good percentage of people are engaged in this heritage industry. The study is conducted in five handloom clusters of the district, namely – Dhaniakhali - Somaspur, Begumpur, Haripal, Rajbolhat and Balagar. The main objectives of this paper were to investigate the effects of globalization on the rural handloom weaver community, in terms of their economic and social conditions. At the same time the article intends to analyse the changes in the over all production scenario of the handloom industry in the district due to modernization. It can be said that the handloom industry of the Hugli district is suffering from some inherent problems like low productivity, lack of product diversification and problems related to procuring raw materials. The co-operative sectors are indifferent to enlarging their market sphere. Though there are plenty of efficient and skilled weavers but they are only doing their traditional practices, the adoption of modern techniques is significantly poor among the weavers. Therefore the new generations are totally unwilling to accept weaving as their main occupation because of the uncertainty of the industry. The article also suggests some strategies to make this ever challenging industry globally competitive, such as, the identification of modern trends, promotion of exports, market assessment so that this heritage industry can cope with the modern trends and utilise the benefits of globalization.

Livelihood Creation for Handloom Weavers through ‘Unique Recognition in Global Market’ – A case Study of Banaras Brocades and Sarees

Livelihood Creation for Handloom Weavers through ‘Unique Recognition in Global Market’ – A case Study of Banaras Brocades and Sarees

Poverty and food security analysis of handloom weaver households in a selected area of Bangladesh

Handloom industry is the most important cottage industry in Bangladesh but many of the handloom weavers are in vulnerable situation. Poverty and food security are intricately interlinked and it should be analyzed in different dimensions. This study was conducted to assess the calorie intake level, determine the factors influencing calorie intake and identify the problems faced by the handloom weaver households in a selected area of Bangladesh. A sample size of 100 households was selected randomly from six villages. Data were collected through field survey by using pre-designed and pre-tested interview schedule. To assess the per person per day calorie intake level of the sample household's members, the food consumption data of seven days was measured by standard value of 100 gm each food item. To determine the factor influencing calorie intake multiple regression analysis was carried out. Calorie intake level and food consumption scores were used to measure poverty and food security. According to calorie intake level 15 percent of the handloom weavers belonged to hardcore poor whose average calorie intake was 1698.13 k.cal, and 46 percent weaver belonged to absolute poor whose average calorie intake was 2078.36 k.cal, and the rest 39 percent of the respondents belonged to non-poor whose average calorie intake was 2251.77 k.cal. Food consumption scores unveiled that 6 percent weaver households had poor food consumption while 39 percent weaver households had borderline food consumption; 31percent had acceptable low food consumption and 24 percent weaver households had acceptable high food consumption. Income of the household and cultivable area have positive impact on calorie intake of the household's members. Among the reported problems low wage rate was ranked the main problem faced by the handloom weavers. Bangladesh Handloom Board, government and non-government organizations, and institutions can take specialized policies for handloom weavers to reduce poverty and strengthen food security.
 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(1): 80–85, March 2019

An Ergonomic survey of Health Status of the Handloom Weavers

An Ergonomic survey of Health Status of the Handloom Weavers

Entrepreneurial tendency of handloom weavers in the western zone of Tamil Nadu using general enterprising tendency (GET) test

In India weaving industry is one of the largest economic activities after agriculture. It has an enormous growth along with a never-ending demand all over the years. Despite the huge contribution of the weavers to the economy, their standard of living is poor. The purpose of this research was to assess the entrepreneurial qualities of weavers using the general enterprising tendency (GET) test which would help and motivate them to enhance their business development capabilities. The study was focussed on entrepreneurial tendency of weavers with several dimensions which would pave the way for betterment of their living. Descriptive research design was adopted in the study with a sample of 120 handloom weavers drawn from the western zone of Tamil Nadu. Results showed that only 9 per cent of the handloom weavers were highly enterprising; 63 per cent had low need for autonomy; the creative tendency of all the handloom weavers was low; 18 per cent had moderate risk-taking ability and the locus of control was not strongly internal for 79 per cent. Thus the sample respondents had a low enterprising ability.

Ergonomic Analysis of the Work Environment of Weavers in Manipur

Women constitute a significant proportion of the work force in diverse industrial activities and due to lack of strict adherence to work environment standards and legislation are subjected to various work hazards. The existing work practices, conditions of work and incompatible man-machine design exert varying work stresses on the operator stated Singleton way back in 1966. Till now, this problem has never been resolved. The study was conducted to analyse working environment of the handloom weavers in Manipur. A total of 42 participants (14 from each weaving on the three different looms namely Loin loom, Throw shuttle loom and Fly shuttle loom) were selected from Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur. A checklist was used to evaluate the work environment. The analysis brought to light the elements of vector found not satisfactory in the weaving sheds for the set four indices namely General Conditions (GWC), Work Station (WD), Working Posture (WP) and Hand Tools (HT) and need attention for all types of looms users, the plight of the loin loom users, further stands out attracting attention for necessary action.

Vernacular Architecture of Handloom Sari Weavers in India: A Case for Conservation of Traditional Houses and Settlements of Handloom Weavers’ Clusters

This article pleads for concerted action to conserve the tangible heritage of iconic sari weaving clusters in India. Handloom weaving is an ancient and highly skilled craft. Weavers’ homes which also function as their artisanal workshops represent a unique typology of dual purpose vernacular architecture. We discuss the significance of this architecture, its close links with the traditional craft of handloom weaving, and the results of a pilot project to safeguard this valuable built heritage in the historical town of Chanderi in India.

The hand-loom weaver and the power loom: a Schumpeterian perspective†

AbstractThe invention of the power loom was a response to the increase in supply of yarn in the 1780s. This led to an expansion of handloom weaving and a rise in earnings in the 1790s, thereby, creating the “golden age”. The high earnings increased the profitability of developing the power loom by raising the value of the labour that it saved. Consequently, less efficient—hence, cheaper to develop—power looms could be brought into commercial use than would have been the case had the golden age not occurred. The power loom, in turn, devalued the old skills, so poverty accompanied progress.