Madanapalle weavers fight to keep their heritage alive amid economic hardship, fading tradition

In the quiet Neeruguttu Palle colony of Madanapalle, the rhythmic sounds of handlooms awaken at dawn. Within a cramped room beneath a low roof, 58-year-old Subramanyam begins another 14-hour workday on his loom. Outside, crimson, teal, and gold silk threads dry in the morning air, while women carry brass pots of starch water and elderly men wind thread onto bobbins. However, the handloom is not the only sound in the colony. Nearby, a concrete shed houses four motorised power looms, clanking at full speed.

For Subramanyam and Venkateswarulu, descendants of Rayalaseema weaving families, the difference lies in their choice of technology. Subramanyam's handloom requires nearly a week to craft a six-yard saree, which sells for ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Venkateswarulu's power loom operates at high speed, producing a larger output but at a faster pace.

Despite the differences, both face economic challenges. The local market undervalues the weavers' artistry, and middlemen dictate wages through credit arrangements. Master weavers earn as little as ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 a day, compared to unskilled workers earning more. Families often take loans to survive financial crises, leading to long-term debt and limited freedom to choose work.

The weavers' health is also compromised. Long hours of sitting in narrow spaces, combined with inhaling thread particles, cause severe back, neck, shoulder, and knee ailments. Power loom workers face noise, heat, and machinery hazards. Many resort to alcohol or smoking to cope with the physical toll of their work.

The financial burden and health issues have driven some weavers to migrate. A revenue official in Madanapalle acknowledges the need to address these concerns, as declining health, mounting debt, and meagre incomes force many to leave their looms behind.