The art of handweaving in Bengal is ancient. Cotton fabrics were exported to Roman and Chinese empires and Ptolemy mentions the region in his writings. The hot, humid climate of the Ganges delta inspired artisans to produce the most diaphanous fabrics possible. These would be worn in layers and were capable of catching even the slightest breeze.
Weaving is still alive in Bengal and it is possible to walk the length of a village road and hear the flying shuttles of handlooms as you pass each and every dwelling. But without a market that can appreciate the skill and genius of it’s cloth these communities will quickly disappear as India modernizes and weaver’s seek work in construction, or migrate to the cities.
