The Handloom sector is not just a vital economic contributor but a living embodiment of India’s artistic legacy. Across the country, generations of weavers have kept this heritage alive with skill, patience, and pride, producing textiles that reflect the soul of their communities. The sector provides sustainable livelihoods to millions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, empowering families and preserving age-old traditions.
Handloom textiles constitute a timeless facet of the rich cultural heritage of India. As an economic activity the Handloom sector occupies a place second only to agriculture in providing livelihood to the people. According to All India Handloom Census, the total household engaged in handloom like weaving and allied activities is 31.45 lakh (2019-20) working on approximately 28.2 lakh handlooms. The four states of Assam (10.9 lakh), West Bengal (3.4 lakh), Manipur (2.1 lakh) and Tamil Nadu (1.7lakh) account for 18 lakh households. Nearly 88.7 per cent households are located in rural area and 72 percent of workers are female. The annual production of handloom fabric is estimated to be approximately 6806 Mn.Sq.m which accounts around 15% to India’s total textile production. Unique products produced on handloom include Sarees, Shawls, Mekhla, Chaddar, Loi, Stole, Scraf and Mufflers, Angavastram, Dhoti, Sarong and Lungi Bedsheets and other Furnishing cloths Dress materials, Shirting, Long cloth, Surgical Bandage, etc. Through these varieties of products the traditional hand weavers produce unimaginable creative on cloth. However, the unregulated use of the phrase “Handloom” has allowed non-handloom products to flood the market, causing misrepresentation and unfair competition. Mass-produced powerloom and mill-made items often masquerade as handloom, eroding consumer trust and placing genuine artisans at a disadvantage. This situation has not only affected the income of traditional weavers but has also blurred the lines between authenticity and imitation. When buyers cannot differentiate between hand woven and machine-made, the value of genuine craftsmanship diminishes.