Centers of Jamdani Weaving

From Phulia in Nadia district to Kalna in Purba Bardhaman disrict, the road takes an hour. The local ferry is by far the more popular means of transport.

The local ferry conveys daily commuters to work, as also goods and transport vehicles.

Travellers have to go onwards by road to the handloom weavers’ villages.

En route are large areas where harvested jute can be seen standing in the fields.

The state accounts for over 50% of India’s jute production, and this is an important crop in the local economy.

Along the roads are rolls of newly woven saris being dried out before they are taken to market.

There is also evidence of the widespread use of power looms to weave in the area.

Whether powerloom or handloom, colourful saris seen in the process of preparation are a typical sight in Bengal that indicates a healthy demand for this form of dress.

The weavers homes are basic structures.

The houses are made of brick, natural materials and tin sheets. Their homes are also their places of work.

A handloom and a spinning wheel share space with household furniture.

Both women and men are involved in the pre-weaving process that readies the yarn.

Women are proud of their capacity to weave what they wear, although some indulge in prints and weaves from other states.

The work is evenly shared to make it a family or a collective enterprise.