Handloom

In Tripura there are 1,37,177 nos. Handloom weavers as per the National Handloom Census conducted by the Government of India. 22,250 nos. weavers are in 50 nos. of Handloom Clusters. Out of 50 nos. Handloom Clusters, 14 nos. in West Tripura, 5 in Khowai District, 9 in Sepahijala District, 6 in Gomati District, 5 in South Tripura, 5 in Dhalai District, 2 in Unakoti District and 4 in North Tripura. The State Tripura has some unique traditional design and arts in Handloom Textiles. These earliest skillful arts have its own place of pride, even today these arts are survived despite of all odds. The Handloom Industry plays a dominant role in the economic development of rural people of Tripura.

Handloom weaving in Tripura may be classified into two broad sectors.

• Commercial Weavers: The Bengali weavers are the main commercial weavers of the State. The weavers are used to weave handloom fabrics likes Silk Saree, Acrylic Shirting, Bed cover, Bedsheet, Gamcha, Lungi, Naga Types of Shawl, Ladies Scarf, Gauge & Bandages etc. The Manipuri Community is also mostly weaving their fabric in commercial manner.

• Domestic or non commercial weaver: The tribal women weave their fabrics for domestic or ritual purpose. The Directorate of Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture has taken efforts to bring the weavers for commercial weaving so that they can generate some income to increase their livelihood for last few years. The Government has extended various supports and provides backward-forward linkage to the weavers by State Plan Scheme and Centrally Sponsored Project/ Schemes for upliftment of socio-economic condition of weavers' community.