Growth of Sari Business and Its Socio Economic Impact on Handloom Weavers in Varanasi

Abstract: Banaras, the oldest inhabited city in the world, is well known for its Banarasi saris. Its silk is one of the purest and radiant, whose softness and rich brocade have given rise to the sari industry. The Indian textile industry has an integral presence in the economic life of the country. Saris are made in either handloom or powerloom, with the latter gaining more significance nowadays. With increasing competition in the textile industry, power-loom alternatives have hit the market since they tend to be cheaper and target mass markets at lower prices. 1 But times have changed, and now weavers don't want to pass their art on to their kids or to the next generation. Due to the low income and unfavourable working conditions, weavers are no longer willing to work in this industry. The paper will focus on the socioeconomic situation of the weavers and how the revolutionising of the sari business has impacted the employment of the weavers. It discusses changes in the weavers' standard of living, access to education, and healthcare, along with their awareness about government schemes. It will also explore the reasons for the shift from handloom to powerloom and the problems leading to the weaver’s current situation. The data for the study has been collected through government websites, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, and detailed surveys.