22. Differentiate between weavers in
West Bengal and Kolkata (3)
Answers
Answer:
Pride and Prejudice: The Condition of Handloom Weavers in West Bengal
Rajesh Bhattacharya 1
and Sarmishtha Sen2
Abstract
In India, the relative importance of the handloom sector, one of the largest employers
following agriculture, has been declining for last few decades. The All India Handloom
Census data for the year 2009-10 however showed a rather modest decline in the number of
weavers in West Bengal, in contrast to a 33% decline at the national level in the same year.
But share of handloom income in total household income for the weaver households in the
state has decreased significantly pointing to considerable occupational diversification among
them. Based on a qualitative field study in three districts of West Bengal—namely, Hooghly,
Nadia and Purba Bardhaman—this essay presents findings related to the condition of
handloom weavers in West Bengal and in the light of the findings, examines two issues—
intra-sector and inter-sector mobility of labour as well as weavers’ response to changing
market conditions. The paper argues for a more labour-focused approach in place of currently
dominant tradition-focused understanding of the sector.
Keywords: Handloom, West Bengal, labour mobility, artisanal skill
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After the partition of India, many weavers migrated from East Bengal and settled here in West Bengal popularising the weaving techniques and expanding the handloom industry.
To tide over the rough patch, weavers are now breaking out of the traditional mould. Instead of the age-old matha sarees and jacquards, Shantipur weavers are turning to innovation to catch the contemporary woman's fancy. They are picking up a colour palette including magenta, teal, burgundy and rust.