Sustainable approaches to rejuvenate the Handloom and Handicraft in India

Abstract

Handlooms and Handicrafts are one of the most important cottage industries in the country giving livelihood to most of rural India. A number of handlooms in India are engaged in weaving with natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool. Most of the villages in India are directly or indirectly dependent for their bread and butter on the handloom and handicraft sector. This sector carries proudly the traditional beauty associated with India's such precious heritage. A research study on one of the silk handloom sectors situated in a small village named Bhagaiya in Jharkhand was carried out with an objective to gather considered data and references reflecting the aspects and aspirations of this lively craft and its position in the region. The ambition of the research is to add perspective to the development of this craft and the craftsmen associated with it. The study was carried out with the intention to understand the existing supply chain, to gain insight through a diagnostic study of the environment, specific realities prevailing, resources available and mapping the aspects of the handloom industry practiced in the region. The study and its outcomes aims to bring forth the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This SWOT can be used by interested agencies/Government Sector, researchers who can approach this region with an objective to provide or facilitate necessary aids that can bring about positive changes in the lives of the weaver. This paper also tries to provide insights into the handloom textile industry and attempts to explain the challenges and opportunities that lie within. This paper also takes into account the usage of cost-effective and eco-friendly technology using natural dyes from identified resources of India and which has also been evaluated, adopted and adapted by the various handloom weavers segments in India. This paper looks at handcraft as one of the potential segment for accomplishing sustainable development by examining the colorful region of Kutch and to bring forth successful elements being practiced here for a better conservation of resources and its moving towards sustainability.