Weekly Independent Task

12TH OCTOBER

Why did I choose to document this? What attracted me to it? (E.g. Colour, Texture, Theme)

I documented this handloom at the science museum because it’s a huge part of my culture. I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a handloom, I find the mechanic of the machine to be very complex.

How does it make me feel? (E.g. curious, angry, content)

I felt contented to see a handloom in the museum, the texture and quality of cloth made on a handloom feels very satisfying. Although its very loud so after some time the noise can be a bit annoying.

What does it make me think? (E.g. Memories, resemblances)

I think it’s a huge part of the Indian history and this reminded me of home because a lot of textile industry weavers all around India still use the traditional handlooms. I find the designs and colours of the fabrics and sarees quite fascinating.

What new questions does it open up? (E.g. what do I want to know more about?)

I want to know more about history of its origin like who invented it? when was it made? was it an engineer or a weaver?

How does this research source connect to ideas of Decolonisation, Sustainability and Technology?

It connects all of the three ideas surprisingly.

Decolonisation- When Indians started the ‘Swadeshi’ movement against British rule they decolonised the Textile Industry. The ‘swadeshi’ movement birthed as a result of rebelling against the colonial practice where raw material would be taken from India to weave cloth in England and then that fabric would be sold back in India. It was the movement where everyone in India started boycotting foreign clothes in order to regain the power and support the handloom industry in India.

Sustainability- Since using handlooms is solely a labour intensive practice it is highly sustainable and the raw materials (like cotton, jute, silk etc) used are natural and biodegradable, it is eco friendly.

Technology- The evolution of handlooms to power looms has been momentous. It sped up the production process thereby making it less time consuming and hence leading to an increase in textile production.

Intro to - Exhibition Road

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