BUILT VERNACULAR HERITAGE OF WEAVING ARTISANS IN VIDARBHA REGION

Abstract

A lot can be learned from the socio-cultural aspects of a community through the food, language and clothing patterns. Clothing and textiles have been important in human history and reflect the materials available to a civilization as well as the technologies that had been mastered. The significance of the finished product reflects their culture, social standing, and community aspects. The evolution of fabrics can be traced through the historical evolution of a region. The present-day Maharashtra state boasts a long history of empires and political prowess and its impact on the local culture and people. Along with the advent of rulers and their empires came a variety of cultures deeply rooted in memory and also in the particular ways of life. There has been a huge influence on the culture of food, clothing, music, architecture and other intangible aspects of communities. Maharashtra has a history of being ruled by the Sultanates, the Mughals and the Marathas and Peshwas. These empires created patronage in terms of industries, artisans and crafts. Fabric and handloom is an important aspect which was transported to this region and became indigenous through time. In this paper, we will discuss the handlooms which have developed during the reigns of these empires and also which have indigenous origins based on the availability of materials and communities and their occupations. The types of handlooms in the state vary according to geography, climate, socio-cultural and economic aspects as well as the historical events which has shaped the cultural landscape.