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elaborately patterned saree as only about six to
eight inches can be woven in a day. Naturally
it will cost a lakh or two lakh rupees or more
depending on the pattern. People hesitate to
pay that price. As a weaver’s entire family is
involved with the craft it is the only income
of a family. I recollect this one time when
distressed at the lack of recognition for the
craft I took up a job in Mumbai (I am an
engineer by education). However, my father
asked me to return and continue weaving.
We are thankful to the Government of India
for granting Patan Patola a GI certification
that will protect the craft from duplication
and weavers from other centres weaving the
double-Ikat and calling it a Patan Patola. Patan
Patola also faces threats from fabrics that are
printed or woven to give an effect of Patan
Patola but are not. Sometimes I feel that the
We are thankful to the Government
of India for granting Patan Patola a GI
certification that will protect the craft
from duplication and weavers from
other centres weaving the double-Ikat
and calling it a Patan Patola.
