Manipuri enjoys a district place amongst
the Handloom zones in India. Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry
in the State. This industry has been flourishing since time immemorial. One
of the special features of the industry is that women are the only weavers.
According to the National handloom Census Reports 1988 there are about 2.71
lakh looms in Manipur.
Handloom and Handicraft goods are the important cottage and home industries
taken up by the people. Among the womenfolk, handloom cloth weaving is the traditional
occupation of the district. Their productions of clothes are mainly household
clothes for everyday use and traditional ceremonial dress etc. They feel proud
to wear clothes which they themselves have made. In some place, such as Wangkhei,
Chingmeirong and Khurai areas where handloom weaver co-operative societies are
concentrated. Handloom products like, Wangkhei Phi, Lashing Phi and Phanek and
its different designs made by these weavers are in great demand both in the
home and outside markets as well.
This occupation provides employment to almost women in the district. This
can certainly be developed in the district by upgrading the skills of artisans
introducing of improved looms and provision of cheap yarns. Cane and Bamboo
works, Carpentry, Black smithy and Jewellery etc. are the important household
industries among the male people in the district. The artisans in these trades
are widely spread over the district. This enables them to supplement their
meager income from agriculture
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
