Weaving has existed for thousands of years in India. It was second only to agriculture. The weaves and fabrics from various regions were known around the world. From the Bengal muslin, to Kashmiri, Banarasi and Kancheevaram silks the cloth from India was renowned for the quality and fineness, the designs and richness.

Industrialization then brought problems for them. Power-looms are faster and manufacture large quantities in short time, Fashion-houses buy fabric from the weavers, put their labels and sell off the cloth at a very high price compared to the price paid to the craftsmen.

The craftsmen remain unknown, their craft under-valued and their life is in poverty. Ancient skills are lost and some take loans to somehow struggle. When debts are too much they commit suicide. Master weavers send away sons to cities to take up jobs.

They do not want the sons to struggle. Parents will not give girls in marriage to weavers. They lack facilities like lighting and water supply. Though the government has given subsidies for weavers most of it is lost to bribes and the weavers receive negligible sums.