Sixty-nine-year-old Durai Raj is among the last generation of weavers struggling to keep the art of crafting silk border ‘jamakkalam’ alive.
“There may be just around 13 weavers in Bhavani Taluk who are still churning out these varieties of ‘jamakkalams’ known for their intricate designs woven with artificial silk. From more than 100 skilled workers until a decade ago, the number of our ilk has dwindled drastically in this vanishing craft,” said Durai Raj, a traditional weaver from Bhavani. He has been into weaving since the age of 15.
“Designs preferred by customers can be hand-woven in the ‘jamakkalams’, giving them a better look. In my yesteryears, I would weave complex designs and even human faces, but nowadays I have restricted myself to simple designs. Even my two sons and daughter have taken up other work due to poor wages in our traditional profession. It’s indeed a dying art,” he added.
Once a proud owner of four handlooms, Durai Raj had sold them long back and is working on daily wages at another handloom unit. Like him, many others are among the last generation of artisan weavers toiling beyond their retirement age, while upholding the tradition.
Nevertheless, the poor wages are driving the weavers to switch over to alternative professions. They say it’s difficult to make ends meet with such low wages amidst rising costs. “Skilled silk weaving artisans get around Rs 400 per day as wages, unlike the regular ‘jamakkalam’ weavers, who get only around Rs 300 per day. Weaving a silk border ‘jamakkalam’ is time-consuming and laborious as compared to regular ones. Even though the demand is high for such blankets, poor wages are driving youngsters to other professions,” said another silk ‘jamakkalam’ weaver.
News Courtesy : DT Next.