Sualkuchi Silks

Sualkuchi is almost an hour long journey from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. This place is known for handloom weaving cluster where weavers are engaged in traditional method of silk weaving. After a scenic journey over the mighty river of Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi cluster welcomes you with open arms with varied offerings. Perhaps the ser-iculture of Assam has gradually evolved this place as silk weaving cluster. Muga weaving was primarily focused but due to scarcity of Muga yarns the exercise has dwindled. Muga fabrics is called golden fabric for their golden glow.

The typical silk weaving of this place is mainly associated with the Assamese traditional attire like Mekhla Chadar and Sarees. Though being a silk weaving cluster, Sualkuchi has become very commercialized with hybrid multibrand stores popping up at Sualkuchi and polluting the essence of hand loom cluster.

Still Sualkuchi has few weavers who offer wonders in silk weaving. The motifs used in mekhla chadar and saree are mainly inspired from Assamese traditional, folk and tribal motifs. One can see Jaapi (tribal Assamese hat), Rhinos, Peacock, Half Moon etc. The transcendent art of silk weaving in Sualkuchi region was primarily in Jaala technique which involved multiple pedals and weft weaving on the loom. But today it has got replaced by jacquard which is much more faster and cost effective which has somehow made the motifs much uniform and flat in nature giving a very run of the mill feel. The weavers of Sualkuchi mainly focus on few colors only comprising of beige or muga color, maroon, steel grey, black, yellow, royal blue and green.

What is unique about Sualkuchi Silk Weaving is that the borders are separately woven and then stitched to the main base of the fabric of Mekhla or Saree. Even the pallu edge of a Saree or Chadar is finely hand crafted with yarn pompoms.

So one can stop by at Sualkuchi to buy handful of these silk crafts for any day trip from Guawahati.
#fondhand

Begampuri Saree

Begampuri Saree

I happened to visit Begampur a few days back. What surprised me is that inside the quaint hamlet, lies a traditional weaving community. This place is hardly 40 Kms from Calcutta. Though the technique  of these weaves are very simple handloom but the placement of color blocking, use of jala and contrast borders make them very fashionable.

This weaving cluster originally consisted of 10000 weavers which have now reduced to 500 only. Prakash Das one of the stalwart weaver of this town is trying hard to keep this handloom cluster from dwindling. Powerloom has taken place of this handwoven magic. with a minimum wage of 250/- to 300/- per day these weaving community is creating magic each day. I acme to know from Prakash that Ashapurna Devi one of the noted author belonged this town.

 Above image shows a dyer working with yarns and vegetable dye.

Rope making, machine embroidery and power loom have replaced this traditional frame work weaving.

One surprise package which I got to know is that Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated during the end  of December unlike September for rest of India. I wish Prakash Das gets a lot of noble promoters for his constant endeavoring activity to keep this weaving community alive and sustainable. #fondhand