#Handlooms - a fabric woven by hand - a source of livelihood for the #weaver - an object of pride for the owner - A classic example of Make in India. But is this sector getting its due acknowledgement of the efforts and the skill put in by the numerous weavers, master weavers/craftsmen of our country - the answer to this leaves much to be desired for.
It will not be wrong to say that Handlooms have become a dying art in India - they only find appreciation, accolades and the respect from foreign buyers. These people are so mesmerized by the rich heritage (of handwoven fabrics) and the process of making a handloom fabric on their own, be it a Block Print or an #Ajrakh or a #Bandhani or a #Batik. How many of us have tried doing so? The answer will be only a handful. Handlooms or handwoven fabrics in India have a very limited market - a niche - who value and love to buy them. The masses are oblivious of the rich heritage that India has and the different fabric forms that exist or are unique to different states in India. How many of us would know what originates where, how it originated, how it developed, who developed it, who are associated with it, and what new innovative and unique techniques are weavers employing to gain a share of voice.
What is more disdainful is when people choose to ignore the effort, the time and the skill that goes into developing a fabric. They are completely oblivious to the fact that sometimes it takes the weaver 6-8 months or even more than that to finish a product. And if it is as intricate as an embroidered fabric (Kantha, Sozni, Chikankari etc) it requires much more effort and skill.
We, Indians are fond of negotiating, we negotiate everything right down to even a Rs.5. Often I come across people who will come and say - "Ye itna mehenga kyun hai - isse sasta tou mall mein milta hai, Flipkart or Amazon pe milta hai." For these people, I just have to say that its not easy to recognize the worth of something so exquisite and lovely - please do not be bothered.
With the ecommerce making inroads in the Indian economy and offering unbelievable discounts on everything (to attract and acquire more customers), people have been moulded to think that having a good deal is their fundamental right. And if the ecommerce giants can offer a 70% discount on everything so can everyone. So, when they buy, they are looking for a "Good Deal". We do not mind spending a couple of thousand of rupees on a good meal in an upmarket fine dining restaurant but we will haggle for even Rs.50 with a craftsperson selling his craft.
Handlooms or handwoven fabrics are exquisite, please do not disrespect the hands that make them. Respect the weavers and give them their due share. Or else, they will be forced to take up other vocations which gives them the sustenance to survive. Switch to handwoven for a change and stop asking for good deals instead For a Change - think about giving a Good Deal.
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