Weaving as a Livelihood Option: A Study of the Bhulia Weaver Community in Odisha, India

Abstract

The cultural tradition of Indian textile craft is diverse and deep. Weaving is a technique for making textiles. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the research was carried out in a hamlet in a notable cluster in the western part of Odisha, India. The study has revealed that weavers in Odisha confront a range of challenges, including poor marketing tactics, administrative failure, a lack of technological competence, inadequate infrastructure, the unavailability of power looms, a lack of government support, etc. The analysis shows that despite the expensive and quality product, most of the weavers are unhappy with the financial gain. The mediator is crucial in marketing. However, when it comes to financial gain, they benefit more than the weavers. Despite the prevalence of several government schemes for supporting the weaver community, not a single weaver from this hamlet has registered as an entrepreneur. The majority of them rely on the meager amount of money earned through weaving as a livelihood option to support their families. Against this backdrop, the paper addresses various livelihood challenges confronted by the weavers in western Odisha. The study recommends some measures and tactics that could support the weaver community.

Keywords:

• weaving community
• textile
• handloom
• entrepreneur
• livelihood challenges
• India
• Odisha

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to the Editor and the Editorial team of the Journal ‘TEXTILE - Cloth and Culture’ for the competent publication processing work; and the anonymous reviewers for their insightful inputs in strengthening the paper. The corresponding author Prof. Tattwamasi Paltasingh is thankful to the Centre of Excellence in Regional Development and Tribal Studies, Sambalpur University, Odisha, India; as well as Odisha Higher Education Program for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) for encouraging this research. However, the usual disclaimers apply.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Fabric: Fabrics are woven, knitted, felted, embroidered, and made of net. Fabric is the final creation shaped from weaving and knitting.

2 Yarn: The yarn is the basic component of woven fabric. Yarn is sometimes referred to as thread. However, thread is generally lighter and thinner than yarn.

3 Weft: The thread that is passed across and through the warp by a shuttle to form a woven fabric.

4 Warping: The preparation of a number of threads which are arranged in order, number, and width, parallel to each, and wound back beam of the loom.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ansuman Das

Ansuman Das is at present a PhD. Scholar at P.G. Department of Sociology, Sambalpur University, Odisha; India. He has qualified UGC-NET and GATE test. His research interest includes-Sociology of education, study of indigenous community, cottage industry, entrepreneurship and gender study.

Tattwamasi Paltasingh

Dr. Tattwamasi Paltasingh is at present working as Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, Sambalpur University, Odisha, India. She has obtained her Doctorate Degree from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai, India. Her research interest is centered on Gender studies, gerontology, sociology of education, development studies, globalisation, indigenous communities, textile & handicraft studies, evaluation and policy analysis.[email protected]