<smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"> Sericulture and traditional craft of silk weaving in Assam</smarttagtype></smarttagtype>

Abstract

<smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region">

Sericulture is one of the oldest professions the humane developed and practiced. Weaving as a craft also developed independently in ancient China, India, and Thailand as well as in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and in South America. The process of working out new techniques continued for millennia and continues even today. With the change from subsistence farming to the present commercial system and incorporation of mechanical technology have brought in drastic changes in both sericulture and weaving industry. Consequently, people realize the present day techniques adopted for commercial system may be unsustainable in the long run. Currently, scientists are relearning the traditional or indigenous know how and exploring possibilities of using the old practices wherever possible. Further in case of tribal weaving in Northeast India, each region has unique aptitude for the craft of weaving and each tribe has its own traditional style and design. Therefore, introduction of indigenous know how (traditional craft, style, design, etc.) in the field of sericulture and weaving blended with modern techniques can produce low cost quality product with quantity production to sustain present day competition market.

</smarttagtype></smarttagtype>