Case study on pride (Brocade craft) of Varanasi Bajpai Shaleni*, Prof. Pandya Amita** *Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Clothing & Textiles, Faculty of Family & Community Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. **Professor, Department of Clothing & Textiles, Faculty of Family & Community Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. Abstract The handloom sector occupies an eminent place in preserving the country's heritage and culture and plays a vital role in the economy of the country. The silk sarees of India are among the living example of the excellent craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. Their mastery lies in the creation of variety of weaves, textures, designs, motifs (which are also symbolic in nature) beautiful fine geometry, durability and heritage value of such the work. The purpose of the study was to cram existing status of Varanasi brocade. Qualitative type of research was designed. Deliberately sampling method was adopted for selecting the sample. Master weavers of Varanasi ware purposively selected. The information was collected through case study and observation method. The findings showed that Abdul Rasheed, Haseen Mahammad and Shahid Junaid had 50 years of weaving experience therefore throughout their life they had been observing superior quality of brocade as well as its deterioration. They were unaware about G.I (Geographical Indication). The investigator observed that their second and third generation masters were not willing to continue with handloom weaving due to low wages. Traditional designs such as Lichhi butti, Resham butti, and kalma butti of Varanasi brocade were not in demand anymore. During group discussion with master weavers, the investigator realised that innovative designs is the need of the time for the sustainability of handloom brocade market. Top Keywords Handloom, Brocade, Karua Techniques. Top |