Mind maps on the hand-loom industry, IT sector in
Bangalore
We started with a group discussion on what we understand by
the description of the project. So we made a mind up of all the words that we
could think of: like economic side of the weaving community, the human stories
of the weavers, the data of the number of the IT companies, government schemes
for IT and weaving sectors etc.
With the multitude of the different aspects, we realized
that the project can go in many directions. So it was decided that we first
acquaint ourselves with the weavers’ community.
Meeting hand-loom artisans
Bangalore has been the hub of the textile sector till in the
last few decades the IT sector took over. So when I started walking towards
Kamakshiamma Layout near Old Yelahanka, it struck me as to why and how the
weavers have settled in such a remote corner of the city. We visited a handloom
worker. His family has been in this dying business since generation. Currently
he sits with his brother to do the weaving. His daughter is a college going
student and has scant knowledge of the trade.
When we sat at the house, I could see the loom that seems to
hold many day-to-day objects. It was more of a jugaad than a well manufactured/
branded machine. The work was laborious. Both the weavers spent around 12 hours
each day to make a saree in a week. Towards the end of it they deliver it to an
agent who brings them more orders.
I could see that each part of the house was modified to make
space for the work. The weavers sat in a dug up area, which made it easier for
them to sit. With the limited space, it seemed difficult to accommodate more
than one saree, so the extension of one saree would be kept on another.
Compared to the power loom, the hand-loom workers worked
longer, but the major difference lied in the fact that these people don’t work
under anyone, also creatively it is much more satisfying. I saw their design
grid; it takes few days to change to a new pattern. And compared to the workers
in the power looms, these people seemed much happier with their product. They
showed few sarees and explained the design grid.
It struck me how all the weavers are predominantly just men.
I never found a satisfying answer. But in the handloom, the women folks do help
with certain aspects of the weaving like rolling the threads. The dye is done by another set of people, which the weavers then buy in bulk to save cost.
Most of the handloom workers learned the skill from their
fathers. So I was curious if a new comer can also pick up the skill. It takes
two years minimum to gain some basic knowledge, but that does not give them the proficiency which is why people cannot take it up suddenly.
This brought me to the other aspect of the trade. How is the
government involved in the trade? The weaver I met is wary of red-tape in government
schemes. So instead of using any such schemes, he preferred the agent. He also
kept emphasizing the fact that the colours and designs are based on the
customer’s interest. But given the fact that he never goes to the market, I am
assuming that it is the agent who dictates what patterns and colours to choose
from.
