Weaving bonds that connect hearts

India has a rich and diverse heritage of handloom fabrics with age-old weaving techniques that have seamlessly transcended generations of artisan families. Aadyam Handwoven, a CSR initiative of the Aditya Birla Group and sister concern of Aadyam Theatre, strives to preserve these techniques by marrying them with contemporary design to create beautiful pieces that are globally appealing.

Aadyam Handwoven believes in creating scale and impact by building sustainable models that will create value for both its weavers and patrons. Weavers are given access to new markets and ensured of a transparent plough back of profits. True connoisseurs of heritage are given access to intricate crafts that sport a modern aesthetic while remaining true to their roots.

The three weaving communities that Aadyam works with come from the regions of Bhuj, Varanasi and Pochampally. Each cluster has its own unique signature and interpretation of the heritage that is inherent and characteristic of the region. It is an extension of their lifestyle and tradition that continues to thrive through their craft.

BHUJ, Gujarat

The dry and arid desert landscape of this region is in stark contrast to the bright vibrant colours and ornamentation on the fabrics woven here. The artisans of Kutch painstakingly weave colourful threads without the aid of a Jacquard machine to create a raised, three-dimensional surface ornamentation that is highly textured and enhanced. This technique is a labour of love and an expression of their heritage that has been handed down through eleven generations. Weaving one piece may take days to months, depending on the intricacy and uniqueness of the design. The result is an astounding piece of fabric that is both understated and has a wealth of staggeringly minute detail when viewed up close.

VARANASI, Uttar Pradesh

Steeped in centuries of tradition, Benaras brocades are globally recognised as a symbol of opulence and elegance; a fabric that has been worn by nobility across generations and cultures. Known as Varanasi today, this region is situated along the banks of the holy river Ganges. A land of spirituality, it is also home to unique weaving techniques and skills that vary from Tanchoi to brocade, Khinkhwab to Gyasar. The most popular brocade fabric incorporates extra weft of different coloured silk or metallic yarns, which are woven into the warp and weft to create ornate, elaborate patterns on a Jacquard loom.

POCHAMPALLY, Telangana

A handloom hub surrounded by lush, verdant green hills, Pochampally is a small town near the city of Hyderabad in the southern region of India. Here, the ancient technique of Ikat is used to create patterns on yarn through the laborious process of resisting segments of the yarn through tying. These precisely calculated tied yarns are then dyed to create patterns and woven in warp or weft or both to form beautifully patterned, distinct textiles. The technique of tie & dye, thread by thread to create mathematically precise motifs on the fabric is like making magic with colour and yarn play.

Together, these three clusters in the southeast, west and north-eastern regions of India form a triangle that connects the hearts and souls of its gifted artisans through their bond with Aadyam Handwoven. The result is an exquisite collection of cushions, rugs, sarees, dupattas and pocket squares that are designed, curated and sold under the Aadyam Handwoven brand to discerning customers. This corporate social initiative by the Aditya Birla Group is an ode to the artisans’ skills and heritage and part of the Group’s long tradition of supporting Indian culture and the community.