Handloom and Powerloom Industries in Odisha: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

The handloom industry in India is an ancient cottage industry with a decentralized setup that provides jobs to about 35 million people. Handloom established its reputation in the global market long before the industrial revolution. Today, India’s handloom and spinning wheel produces the largest variation of designs. It continued to flourish despite the oppression of the British Government. In India the powerloom sector is the dominant player in the weaving process. It contributes more than 60 percent of the total textile production. The powerloom units are meeting the textile products required for the domestic market as well as for the export of the same. Against this backdrop this article dwells upon the history of the handloom and powerloom industry in India in general, and Odisha in particular. This article is based on only secondary data.