|
TRADITIONAL HANDLOOMS
Kerala, the land of scenic beauty has a unique charm and an important place in India’s history. Kerala has been the centre of abiding attraction for travelers worldwide from the eternal past. Whether it is science, literature, industry, sports or culture, the state enjoys a rich status because of its diverse people. In the industrial sector, Kerala has many good industries to boast about. The handloom sector has emerged as one of the most cost effective small scale industry in the state. Government too pledges its support to this traditional industry.
Handloom weaving and coir work form an integral part of the rich and varied heritage of the state. Most of the handloom weavers are the descendants of those who migrated from neighboring states. The two prominent communities engaged in the craft are the Saliyas and the Devangas. Shaliyas are from Tamil Nadu and Devangas are from Karnataka and are said to be migrated during the chola period. In fact it was the Devangas who laid the foundation of traditional handloom weaving in Kerala. Other weaving communities are Kaikolars and the Jedas. It was in the early part of the twentieth century when a mass movement took up the handloom industry as their jobs all thanks to the sree narayana movement. This sector has always been a popular one for us malayalees. According to Mohanlal, handloom is an instinct for malayalees. Mohanlal is in fact the goodwill ambassador for handloom products by the Kerala government. The actor showed his solidarity without charging a single penny for the movement. The government has also took other measures to revive the handloom industry in the state. A small campaign was carried out in which 10000 gift packages were sent to prominent personalities in the state. The government has also opened many handloom centers across the state which will bring large variety of appealing products.. To diversify the range of handloom products the handloom corporation has now joined hands with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Improvement of the lives of the craftsmen is also first in the agenda and efforts are also on to improve the working condition and environment.
Balramapuram, a small town near the state’s capital Thiruvananthapuram is the main centre of Kerala’s Handloom Industry. Another prominent city is Kannur, in northern Kerala where there are co-operative societies working in this industry. Kannur handloom is considered the finest in Kerala. The other centers include Chennamangalam in Kochi, Kuthampully in Trichur and Kasargode. To popularize the handloom products various campaigns are being held in each district. The government hopes that this campaign will help people to realize the true value of handloom products. As it is often as poor man’s cloth the Khadi has a very very special place in India’s freedom movement. The very fact that it is made purely by human factor also multiply its significance.
Traditionally all the Keralites wear handloom dresses for big occasions such as marriage and festivals. The state government also passed an order for the government employees and private sector employees to wear these traditional dresses at least two days in a week. A state wide appeal was made by well known celebrities and it flashed through radio, television and the print media. So guys next time you choose the dress go for our tradition rather than some hi-fi branded products.
|
