The traditional skill of handloom weaving is not only a matter of status symbol for the women-folk of Tangkhul community but also is an indispensable aspect of their socio-economic life. One of the special features of the industry is that, in the olden day, women are the only weavers.
By Tennoson Pheiray, TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the state of Manipur. For the Tangkhul community, this industry has been flourishing since time immemorial. The handloom industry has been playing a pivotal role in the economy of Tangkhul since times immemorial.
The traditional skill of handloom weaving is not only a matter of status symbol for the women-folk of Tangkhul community but also is an indispensable aspect of their socio-economic life. One of the special features of the industry is that, in the olden day, women are the only weavers.
Handloom weaving of Tangkhul are famed for their exquisite designs, motifs and colors and generate a maximum employment to women folk. Handloom weaving is one of the largest economic activities after agriculture, providing direct and indirect employment.
Thotyao Handloom and Handicraft at Khuilung Tang, Hungpung, Ukhrul is quietly weaving its way to progress without any assistance from the government. Run by a couple Thotreichan and Yaomila since 2009, they narrated how they started Thotyao Handloom and Handicraft from scratch.
Thotreichan Zimik informed that “we got married in 2007. With just a bag of rice and Rs. 500 in their hands, they move to Ukhrul in 2008 with a dream. The journey and experience were full of ups and downs. We started our first ventures in 2009 at Hamleikhong, Ukhrul, with just 3 employees. Our big break came in 2017, when we signed a short term contract with one NGO operating in Ukhrul. From there, we shifted to the present place in 2020, and now we are employing 30 weavers.”
Thotreichan Zimik hails from Razai Khullen, Ukhrul District, Manipur. His wife Yaomila Zimik is the instructor and the one who designed the motifs and patterns and embroidery is done by Ringphawon Zimik.
Out of 30 weavers, 2 are men and 28 are women. Depending on their skill and expertise, the weavers are paid 15000 to 35000 per month. Thotreichan Zimik informed that “there is high demand for our products, we also supply our products to famous designer like Asa Kazingmei and others.”
Thotreichan Zimik stated that “due to financial problems, we bought second-hand loom. We cannot compete with the weavers from Nagaland who are using power loom. Their machine is far superior to the machine we are using. There is an urgent need to have a power loom. It will increase the production and also decrease the price of the products.’
The workshed is not to the standard. Employees are provided free accommodation by the propreitor. Registered in 2014-2015 under the Registration of Society under MSR Act, 1989, the products of Thotyao Handloom and Handicraft are available at their shop located at Hamleikhong, Ukhrul.
Thotreichan Zimik stated that “we have apllied for establishment of “Training cum Production Centre at Ukhrul through Handloom and Textile Department, Manipur. We are hoping for the best.”
Manipur handloom industry will flourish when the benefits reach the genuine weavers. As of now, Thotyao Handloom and Handicraft is weaving lives quietly without any assistance from concerned authority.