The history of weavers goes back to the ancient times of Indian kings, and it continues to the colonial period when the English merchants tried to organize the weaving industry. But it is only after independence that the weavers became manufacturers. The government supported them with finance and technology so they can take their products to the world market.
Today handloom manufacturers in India are known for their work and region. And they have developed many regions that provide exclusive products like Gota Patti, Zari, and Kinari work associated with the Pink City of Rajasthan.
Let’s check some favoured handlooms in the Nation
1. Jaipur
It is a Rajasthani handloom better known for its bandhani along with Gota Patti, Zari, and Kinari work. Also known as Pink City, Jaipur has a rich tradition of handloom work. Here the weavers have been involved in weaving clothes for generations. In addition to clothes, they also design jewellery. They export their products to European countries and Canada.
2. Varanasi
The first name that comes to mind when we think of handloom clothes is Banarasi silk sarees with gold and silver threads. These sarees are so popular that every Indian bride wants to wear a Banarasi silk saree for her wedding. Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges in western Uttar Pradesh and is popular for its ghats and weaving work, including silk sarees, and brocade.
3. Surat
Surat is also called the Textile City of Gujarat because of the flourishing handloom industry. This city also produces sarees, which are as good as those of Varanasi. This tradition of the weavers of Surat has been going on for generations, and they are flourishing with the support of the government. Here they do a variety of jobs including yarn production, processing and embroidery.
4. Panipat
Your search for handloom products won’t be complete without visiting this city in Haryana. It is called the City of Handlooms or handloom Hub of India because of its rich culture and tradition of using handlooms. Here you can find almost everything you can expect from a weaving community. Today it has developed as an international market for exporting clothes and other products.
5. Lucknow
The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is famous for its Chikankari, that is one of the oldest and most-popular art forms. And it is the only city where Chikan work served on clothing. People from across the globe visit Lucknow to buy kurtas, sarees, scarves, caps, and other such items with the fine work of Chikankari.
6. Bhadohi
An ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, Bhadohi has a rich history of handlooms. The weavers of this city have been using Indian handloom for centuries. Generations have passed the tradition of weaving from one to other. Today Bhadohi weavers produce the finest carpets with silk. These carpets have Persian patterns on them.
7. Maheshwar
This small town in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its sari and fabrics designed with stripes, checks, flowers, borders, and other related works. The weaving community present in the city traces its origin to the Mughal period. Also, they have been getting patronage since the Mughal period.
The government is also doing its best to support handloom weavers in India. They are artisans and belong to rural areas with little or no access to development. They need government support to flourish. Check our latest blog about Which Are The 10 Best Tea Products In India
