Problems and Prospects of Weavers in Andhra Pradesh : An Analytical Study

In India, handloom industry is an ancient cottage industry spread all over the country. This is a source of livelihood for the millions directly or indirectly. Its role is quite significant in meeting the clothing requirements of the masses. It occupies a pivotal place with its wide ramifications into the socio-economic fabric of society. The hand-woven textiles have a long glorious tradition. They are symbolic of Indian culture forming part of great heritage of art. Centuries ago when Europe, the birth place of today modern capitalism and industry, had little industrial development to boast of India was famous for its grand artistic skills of her craftsmen. The Indian cotton fabrics enjoyed world wide patronage especially in Eastern and European markets in the world. In history there are evidences to show that the Indians have known the art of weaving for more than five thousand years. India has been a producer of cotton cloth of superior quality and repute from times immemorial and generally regarded as the birth place of cotton manufacturers.