{
  "id": 341438,
  "title": "Laila Tyabji on India’s Handloom Heritage: The Weaves, Artisans and Dastkar’s journey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/laila-tyabji-on-indias-handloom-heritage-the-weaves-artisans-and",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-09T03:59:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/laila-tyabji-on-indias-handloom-heritage-the-weaves-artisans-and-dastkars-journey-10824528/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's handloom weaving heritage is a treasure trove of diverse textiles, each region boasting its unique yarn, weave, color palette, and motifs. From the silk, cotton, tussar, linen, and jute of Bengal to the pashmina, wool, and jute of Ladakh and Kutch respectively, India's geography dictates the local materials used for weaving. The durability and texture of fabrics produced in more arid regions are attributed to the climate and soil conditions, while fine long-staple cotton from Bengal lends itself to airy jamdani muslins.\n\nMany iconic weaves, such as those from Banaras, Patan, Kanjeeveram, Bhujodi, Kunbi, and Kotpad, have been preserved, while others like Bhujodi, Kunbi, and Kotpad are still waiting to be discovered and developed. The revival of various traditional weaves has been facilitated through support from organizations like Dastkar, which has had numerous successes in bringing back almost lost traditions and adapting them for modern urban wear.\n\nOne of Dastkar's most memorable projects was its Berozgar Mahila Kalyan Samiti in Bihar, which helped a group of over 500 women who had been in bonded labor for 20 years recover from their debt and start weaving again. Using royalty income from a book authored by Dastkar founder Gita Mehta, the project funded the women's rehabilitation and led to the creation of a successful line of saris, stoles, and dupattas.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "India's handloom weaving heritage showcases diverse textiles across regions.",
    "Iconic weaves like Banaras and Patan are preserved, while others await development.",
    "Dastkar's Berozgar Mahila Kalyan Samiti project rehabilitated 500 bonded labor women."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Dastkar's efforts to preserve and adapt traditional Indian weaves not only revive lost traditions but also empower artisans, particularly women, to regain their livelihoods and creative autonomy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}