14
W
ith great love for Maheshwar and handloom, I want to
share my experience of working with weavers…
Pre-Independence
Some historical texts claim that there was weaving in the
Maheshwar area as early as the Mohenjodaro days. There was,
in fact, probably weaving all over India until other opportunities
for clothing appeared.
I have knowledge of Maheshwar weaving only from the 18th
century: when Rani Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the state of Indore
and is said to have strongly supported handloom weavers.
History hints that she may have brought some of these weavers
from nearby city of Mandu in Madhya Pradesh. Their ancestors
would have woven for the Mughals who took refuge from the
searing summer heat of Delhi in the cool, green beauty of
Mandu’s fortified plateau citadel.
Frail, stressed.
Nurtured, blessed.
Sally Holkar
Maheshwar Handloom:
Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow
Paramparik Karigar | Maheshwar Handloom
