The Art of Weaving and the Womenfolk: A Socio-Economic Study of Colonial Assam

Abstract

The art of weaving and the weaving loom bear a greater significance in the Assamese society and especially in the lives of Assamese women since time immemorial. Weaving occupies an important place even in the Assamese folk lore, customs and tradition. Before the colonial aggression the weaving industry was one of the most notable cottage industries of Assam but the industry failed to receive the patronage of the colonial government being a woman dominated industry. Nevertheless the weaving skill of the Assamese women was utilized by the nationalists in a unified way in their struggle against colonial regime which was augmented by the use of Khadi propaganda launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

Keywords: Weaving, Women, Society, British, Nationalists.