SUSTAINING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE: HANDLOOMS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Traditional textiles in India have been a reflection of its rich cultural heritage for ages. In today's global world, these products have been extensively commercialized to the extent of losing their authenticity. The artisan communities need to be abreast with current market trends in order to create a demand for their products. The empowerment of the craft ecosystem demands sincere efforts on the part of craft practitioners to facilitate product diversification and wider market reach. However, artisanal products need to be put at the forefront of any design intervention without losing the essence of the original craft. Himachal Pradesh is not only rich in biodiversity but also in various crafts like metal, weaving, knitting, and painting. In this paper, an effort has been made to catalog the products of traditional Kullu Handloom weaving with the raw materials used, the process followed, motifs and colour palette etc. Moreover, initiatives taken by Ms. Anshul Malhotra, a well-known craft entrepreneur in Himachal Pradesh for popularizing the traditional woven designs of the Kullu and Kinnaur region in India and abroad have been reported. Design interventions made by combining new colors and exploring different combinations of yarns and weaves by Ms Anshul Malhotra would serve as a guiding source for the design and artisan communities alike.