Narrow Lanes to Big Markets: An Overview of Traditional Printed Handloom Industry of Pilkhuwa (U.P.)

Handloom industry is one of the important segments of the textile industry in India. There are a number of centres that are specifically engaged in the production and adornment of handloom textiles. Pilkhuwa, a small town in Ghaziabad (U.P) situated on the NH24, 51 km from Delhi border, is also carrying its legacy of printed handloom textiles. Furnishings, specially bed sheets in beautiful designs and vibrating colours in a wide variety of fabrics and thread density are the main attraction of Pilkhuwa market. The prepared products are sold in local markets to the retailer in wholesale whereas some large manufacturers export the quality products to other parts of the country as well as abroad. The present study aims to identify the prevailing practises, current status, changing scenario and SWOT analysis of the selected cluster of Pilkhuwa (U.P.) that produces printed home furnishings. The information on handloom printing, designing and marketing was obtained through questionnaires, complemented by free interview and informal conversations with printers and local shopkeepers. The result revealed that many local communities i.e. dhobis, luhaar, weavers and their families directly and indirectly linked to this home furnishing industry for their livelihood. There is a growing opportunity for product diversification in the domestic market as well as in the export market.