REVIVAL OF HANDLOOM INDUSTRY: NEED OF THE HOUR

Handloom industry is one of the most important segments of Indian textile industry. It is not only the important part of Indian textile industry but also an important part of Indian legacy. Handloom products have been playing an important role in Indian economy since a long time. It is one of the largest economic activities providing direct or indirect employment to a large segment of persons engaged in weaving and allied activities. However, as per the latest census of handloom, the number of persons engaged in weaving an d allied activities was lower than the earlier one. Hence there is an urgent need to revive this industry. There is a need to give attention to the point that what could be done as a designer, as a researcher and as a marketer to revive this industry not only in international market but also at the grass root level. This paper mainly deals with the present status of handloom industry to emphasise what could be done further.