Silk, Society and Stratification: Understanding Traditional Knowledge in Banaras Silk Industry

Abstract

Most traditional knowledge is constructed within a uniquely defined social, ecological, and cultural value transferred across generations as collective skills and practices of indigenous communities. The syncretic heritage of silk-weaving in Banaras (India) demonstrates the intersection of traditional knowledge and social structure to sustain the popularity of the sarees of Banaras. By integrating the findings and perspectives from various studies, this paper synthesizes the disparate and interdisciplinary evidence to uncover an area in which more research is needed. To explore if indigenous knowledge can deconstruct historical caste-occupation linkage, especially, with the enforcement of geographical indication (GI), it analyses continuity and change of social identities among Banaras silk-weavers and assesses the need to revisit GI architecture in India as an alternative to foster sustainable environment, market, and livelihoods for communities associated with such traditions. It questions whether democratization of artisanal knowledge protected under GI provides a viable and reasonably remunerative source of livelihood for those willing to acquire it, irrespective of their position within a deeply stratified society.