Weaver Communities of India

(Photo Courtesy: Biswarup Ganguly [CC BY 3.0]) 

India has hundreds of weaver communities such as the Julaha, Ansari and the Kashmiri Kani weavers who have kept the weaving traditions alive for centuries. Here, we look at some of the dedicated weaver communities of India, whose lives are intertwined in the very patterns they create.

It is a well-known fact that India has a rich handloom industry. From the Kashmiri Kani and the Kasavu of Kerala to the Gujarati Patola and the Manipuri Phanek, India is home to many handloom traditions. These colourful, handwoven fabrics are not only an integral part of our heritage but have contributed extensively to the lives of the people engaged in their creation. Historically, these communities have dedicated themselves to weaving, and their livelihoods are intertwined in the very patterns they create. We look at some of India’s prominent weaver communities.