Sirajganj Weavers

I've spent a few peaceful and very long days in the Sirajganj District, next to the Jamuna Bridge, an area traditionally prone to flooding and also home to an indigenous textile industry dating back as far as the 13th century. From first observations, not much seems to have changed since then: the yarn spinning, dyeing methods and looms have a distinct pre-industrial character, working conditions are simple and nowhere near western standards, but the weavers are proud.


Supported by some local NGOs, their fabrics are of high quality and sold at a price that is well above the price of industrial manufacturing. The villages have electricity, and despite working hours of 12 or more each day, the weaving community seems content with their lot. They take great pride in their work, often passing their skills through the generations, with young boys eager to learn the craft from their fathers.

In the West, Indian and Bangladeshi fabrics are finally beginning to appear in Western fashion, and I am sure we will hear more of their crafts in due course.

I have published the story on my website about the Sirajganj Weavers, and you can also view the full set in my online archive.