In the quaint town of Pochampally in Telangana which is very close to Hyderabad city, the skilled weavers engage in the intricate art of weaving sarees, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

The process begins with sourcing the thread from the state of Karnataka, after which the weavers embark on the meticulous process of self-designing each piece. Isthari, a 70-year-old weaver and a repository of this ancient craft, reveals that the weavers receive a mere Rs 3000 for the labour-intensive task of crafting one silk saree. The dedication of these artisans is evident in the time and effort invested in each creation. Isthari explains that the weaving of one silk saree takes three to four days of continuous effort, with a minimum of eight hours of work per day. He is not only a skilled artisan but also a teacher, passing on the intricate art of weaving to others who come from villages far and wide to learn.

Seethamma, a 60-year-old widow, embraced the art of weaving after her husband’s demise as a means to sustain her family and livelihood. Weaving since the age of 30, she faces the challenge of managing household responsibilities while dedicating time to her craft. With young children at home, Seethamma opted for the path of weaving over agricultural labour and other labour works, investing four hours a day into her work. Despite the constraints, she manages to produce 19 chunnies (dupatta), earning a sum of 11,000 rupees.

The Pochampally weavers, however, confront several challenges. The government’s assistance is limited, and the profit margins are minimal, considering the laborious nature of their work. These artisans, driven by hard work and patience, find themselves in a situation where the rewards do not commensurate with their efforts. The need for support and recognition is palpable, as the Pochampally weavers continue to preserve and pass on this traditional art form in the face of adversity.