The Handloom Industry of Begampur in Transition

“This volume critically depicts how the Begumpuri artisans negotiate with changing socio-cultural dimensions, technological innovations, marketing and market forces. The volume will add a new body of knowledge in anthropology and would be engaging to those who are interested in the study of craft, craftsmanship, and their economy and culture.” -- Subha Ray, University of Calcutta
Through this book Abhradip Banerjee has done a great job in tracing the history and cultural landscape of the handloom industry in Begampur, Hooghly while also dealing with the complex procedures in simplistic details, highlighting the growth of the weaving beyond being a community specific enterprise. By shedding light upon the unfair competition of handlooms with powerlooms, factors responsible for the emergence of cooperatives in Begampur and their problems, this book highlights the necessity of understanding the dynamics between technology, community and socioeconomic parameters for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. -- Pinaki Ghosh, The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
“Part historical narrative outlining a genealogy of handloom weaving and weavers in Begampur and part anthropological analysis of the role weaving plays in the region and the lives intertwined within this craft industry; Banerjee’s book provides valuable insights into the cultural, social, and economic importance of handloom weaving in this area of West Bengal.” -- Julie Blanchard-Emmerson, University for the Creative Arts