Monday, Aug 14, 2006
Kasaragod's Famous Sarees, a Vanishing Masterpiece
Juhan Samuel
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 A handloom in Kerala
Photo credit: palmlandtours.net
Kasaragod sarees of Kerala, which were once masterpieces made with high quality yarn using traditional hand made methods, are fast losing their popularity due to the presence of powerlooms and availability of assembly line cheap sarees.
Kasargod sarees were once known for their design, quality, color pattern and ornamated zaris or borders.
The prices of these sarees range from Rs. 300 - 9000 depending on the cotton or silk yarn used.
The concept of handloom is fading away. This art is not being learnt by the younger generation any longer. It is becoming extremely difficult for weavers to survive in such a scenario, said T.Damodaran of the Kasargod Handloom Society.
"Our handloom is done in a unique style by giving care to the thread. That is why they are very strong and looses its color or fades. These kind of handwork and style cannot be seen anywhere in India apart from Kasaragod sarees," said Damodaran.
Kasargod sarees are sold in North Indian States and through Hanveev and Hantex showrooms.
The state government runs these Hantex and Hanveev showrooms to help weavers in the co operative sector and the unorganised sector in Kerala.
But according to a weaver, these institutions procure large quantities of cloth mainly during the festival season and don't pay. This forces weavers into seeking loans from banks and other private financers or blade mafias at heavy interest.
"Our craftsmen cannot work in any other field, we are doing it for generations and do not know any other work. Also, our young generation is not showing any interest to join us, it is a livelihood for hundreds of families for which the tradition should be saved," said T.Chandrashekaran, a weaver.
It normally takes up to a week to weave a pure silk Kasargod sari. A special kind of paste is applied on the silk while weaving the saris makes them stronger and long-lasting.
The Kasaragod Weavers Co-operative Society, set up in 1938, has survived against all odds to carve a niche for itself in the textile market. Earlier, the society had an annual turnover of around Rs.75 lakhs. Of late, it has come down to Rs.20 lakhs.
The society which used to employ more than 400 weavers few years back is now left with 56 employees, including women.
In Kerala, handloom sector provides employment to more than two lakh people directly and indirectly. (ANI)
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