International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
Technological awareness & adoption in the Varanasi Handloom SectorA review
Anil Kumar1, Dr. Shikha Verma2 ,
1Reserch Scholar & Assistant Professor, Dept. of Design, Banasthali University (Raj) & Dept. of Textile Design, Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing & Visual Arts, Rohtak, Haryana, India
2 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Design, Banasthali University, Banathali, Rajasthan, India
Abstract - The handloom weaving craft of Varanasi is renowned for its intricate Banarasi sarees and rich textile heritage It is at a critical place where tradition meets technology. This study explores the levels of awareness and the extent of technology adoption among handloom weavers in Varanasi, focusing on tools such as electronic Jacquard machines, digital marketing, and supply chain digitization. The study highlights the role of government schemes, private startups, and social media in shaping technological transformation. The paper also identifies major barriers to adoption, including high costs, digital illiteracy, poor infrastructure, and cultural resistance. While some weavers particularly younger generations and organized clusters have begun integrating technology to enhance productivity and reach new markets but widespread adoption of technology remains limited to some weavers. The paper is a review paper, author has reviewed the literature scientifically and presented data systematically The findings suggest that targeted interventions in training, financial support, infrastructure, and policy reform are essential to support a sustainable and inclusive transition. Ultimately, balanced technology integration can help preserve the artisanal integrity of Varanasi's handloom industry while ensuring its economic viability in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Key Words: Varanasi handloom, Technology adoption, Digital transformation, Electronic Jacquard, Weaver awareness, Digital marketing, Artisan empowerment.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Varanasi handloom renowned globally for its beautiful Banarasi brocade weaving technique and silk weaving. It represents one of India’s most important craft-based industries. Traditionally, it sustained through artisanal knowledge whichwaspasseddownacrossgenerations.Thisamazinghandloomsectorhasbeenacornerstoneofculturalheritageas wellaslocallivelihoodssourcefortheirlife(Katiyar,2009).However,withgrowingcompetitionfrommechanizedtextile industries and the expansion of global markets, the survival of this craft increasingly depends on the adoption of appropriatetechnologies.
Technology development in the handloom-based craft sector encompasses multiple dimensions, including the use of improved looms (such as jacquard attachments), design software for motif creation, digital marketing platforms, and ecommerce for broader market access (Ranjan, 2018). The weaver’s awareness and adoption of such technologies can enhance productivity, reduce hard work, and expand market linkages while preserving the authenticity of handwoven fabrics(Mukherjee,2017).Despitethesemultiplebenefits,studiesindicatethatmanyartisansinVaranasifacechallenges in adopting technology due to limited education, financial constraints, and resistance to altering traditional practices (Singh&Singh,2020).
Thescholarshaveemphasizedthattechnologyadoptioninthehandloomsectormuststrikeabalancebetweeninnovation and tradition. While advanced tools like computer-aided design (CAD) can help diversify motifs and increase efficiency, completemechanizationrisksdilutingtheartisanalidentityofBanarasiweaving(Dasgupta,2019).Therefore,awareness campaigns,trainingprograms,andinstitutionalsupportarecrucialforensuringthatartisansembracetechnologyinaway thatcomplementsratherthanreplacestheirtraditionalskills(Roy,2010).
Inthiscontext,thestudyoftechnologyawarenessandadoptionintheVaranasihandloomsectorissignificantnotonlyfor economic sustainability but also for cultural preservation. Understanding how artisans perceive and implement technological changes provides insights into strategies for revitalizing the handloom industry while ensuring its competitivenessincontemporarymarkets.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
1.1 Awareness of Technology and Government/Institutional Interventions
StudiesshowthatgovernmentschemeshaverelativelyhighawarenessamongweaversinVaranasi.Forexample, Singh & Kumar (2018) found that ~80.55% of the handloom weavers in Varanasi are aware of various government interventions (e.g. health care schemes, yarn supply, trade facilitation centers). However, the outreach (how many benefit) is often much lower (ResearchGate). Also, technology‐enabled interventions are beingintroduced:
1. Resha Mandi, a startup, is providing technical support in silk supply chain digitization, quality‐assured yarns, and helping weavers with technology interventions to procure inputs and sell outputs more efficiently. (The TimesofIndia)
2. Government subsidy support for equipment like the electronic Jacquard machine is another sign that technology is being introduced, albeit selectively. The government provides ~90% subsidy when weavers procuretheelectronicJacquardmachineinVaranasi,reducingthecostburden(ETVBharat).
Trademarking and branding efforts, plus use of QR codes to link to the weaving process, are also being used to raiseawarenessamongconsumers(thuscreatingmarketpressureandincentiveforweaverstoadopttechnology) and among weavers to preserve authenticity. For example, under the “Silk Banarasi” brand, there are plans to includeQRcodesshowinghandloomweavingprocesses(TheTimesofIndia).
1.2 Adoption of Technology: What Is Being Used
Someofthetechnologiesbeingadopted,orbeingtrailed,include:
1. Electronic Jacquard Machines.
Thesemachinesallowdesignstobedevelopedoncomputerandthentransferred(viapen‐driveorsimilar)tothe loom, speeding up design transfer, reducing manual effort and errors. Weavers adopting these report that the machinecutstimeandcostsubstantially.(ETVBharat)
2. Digital Marketing / E-commerce / social media.
WeaversandmanufacturersareusingInstagram,onlineplatforms,andsocialmediatoshowcaseBanarasisarees globally. This helps reach customers directly, explain product quality, and bypass intermediaries. Younger generationsinweavingfamiliesaremoretech‐savvyandhavepushedforthisadoption.(TheTimesofIndia+1)
3. Supply Chain & Traceability Technologies
Somefirms(forexample,Kosha)areintegratingsensorsandIoTdevicestotrackweavingtime,originofweaver, location,etc.QRcodeswovenintofabricaslabelsetc.,toallowtransparencyfromfibretofinishedproduct.(Gulf News)
4. Digitization in Raw Material Procurement
StartupslikeReshaMandiarehelping weaversprocurebetterqualitysilkyarns,ensuringthatinputsarequality‐assured,andsometimesgraded;thisreduceswastageorsubstandardmaterialenteringthelooms.(TheTimesof India)
1.3 Barriers to Adoption:
Despiteawarenessandsomeadoption,therearemanybarriersthatpreventwidertechnologicalintegration.
Cost & Capital:Manyweaverscannotaffordmodernmachines(evenwithsubsidy),computers,ordevicesneeded fordigitization.Theupfrontcost,maintenanceandrepaircostsarehigh.(ETVBharat+2TheTimesofIndia+2)
Lack of Skills / Digital Literacy:Usingcomputer‐aideddesign,digitalmarketing,managingonlineplatforms,or operatingsensor/IoTdevicesrequiresskillsthatmanyhandloomweaversdonothave.(ResearchGate+1)
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
Poor Infrastructure: Internet access, power supply, reliable electricity are often not consistent, especially in poorerorruralweavingareas.Also,lackoflocalrepairservicesforadvancedmachinery.(ResearchGate+1)
Cultural & Traditional Resistance: Some weavers prefer traditional methods; there's fear that adopting more mechanized tech might erode the craftsmanship, uniqueness, or authenticity. Also, generational gaps: younger peoplemightbemorewillingbuttheoldermayresist.(ResearchGate+1)
Market Related Barriers: Competition from power looms and lower cost machine‐produced alternatives, counterfeit,ormislabelledproducts(claimingtobehandloomorBanarasibutactuallynot),pricepressure.Also, issuesinreachingmarkets(logistics,intermediaries).(CNN+2TheTimesofIndia+2)
Policy & Institutional Support Gaps: Even when policies exist, their implementation, outreach, awareness amongweavers,andeaseofaccessingthemisoftenweak.Legalclarity,contractenforcement,subsidies,training, etc.,maybeinsufficient.(ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2)
Fear of Failure / Uncertainty: Weavers are often risk‐averse, given marginal incomes; investing in new technologymayseemriskyifthereturnsareunclear.(ResearchGate)
1.4 Impacts of Technology Adoption (Positive and Negative):
Positive Impacts:
Increasedproductivity(designsimplementedfaster,lessmanualerror).E.g.electronicJacquardmachinesreduce timefordesigntransfer.(ETVBharat)
Better market access: digital marketing has opened domestic and overseas customers. Weavers selling on social mediareportincreaseddemand.(TheTimesofIndia+1
Improved transparency & branding: Consumers are increasingly interested in authenticity, traceability; technological tools (QR codes, IoT, certification) help differentiate genuine handloom products. The Times of India+1
Better input quality and supply chain efficiency (via startups like ReshaMandi). Weavers procure better yarn, reducedependenceoninferiorrawmaterials.(TheTimesofIndia)
Negative / Challenging / Potential Unintended Consequences:
Risk of losing traditional skills / design techniques if technology over‐standardizes processes or if machines replacemanualartistry.
Dependenceonexternalinfrastructure(electricity,internet),sodisruptionscausemoreseverelosses.
Possibleexacerbationofinequalities:thoseweaverswhoarebetterofforlocatedinmoreconnectedareasadopt techmoreeasily,wideninggaps.
Market saturation or misrepresentation (e.g. counterfeits) can hurt reputation and reduce willingness of customerstopaypremiumforauthentichandloom.
2.DISCUSSION:
Fromtheevidence,itappearsthattechnologyawarenessamongVaranasihandloomweaversismoderatetohighformany government schemes and for certain technologies (like electronic Jacquard machines). Adoption is increasing, especially among younger weavers, master weavers, startups, and when technology has clear and immediate return (e.g. design automation, direct marketing). However, widespread adoption is constrained by financial, infrastructural, skill, institutional,andculturalbarriers.
Technology that aligns well with tradition, provides tangible benefit (cost or time saving), and is supported by subsidies/training/infrastructuralsupportismorelikelytosucceed.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
3.RECOMMENDATIONS:
Toenhanceawarenessandadoption,thefollowingcouldhelp:
1. Training Programs and Skill Development
Workshops to train weavers (especially older ones) in using CAD/CAM design tools, digital marketing, basic IT/Internetuse.
Traininginmaintenanceandrepairofnewmachinery.
2. Infrastructure Improvement
Improvedinternetconnectivity,reliableelectricityinweavingclusters.
Localservicecentresforequipmentmaintenance.
3. Financial Support & Subsidies
Subsidies like the one for electronic Jacquard should be more accessible. Low interest or grant‐based loans for technologyadoption.
4. Institutional / Policy Measures
Clearerpoliciesforqualitycertification,traceability,protectingartisansfromfraud.
Betterimplementationofschemes,ensuringeffectiveoutreachtosmallandmarginalweavers.
5. Market Linkages and Branding
Supportforbranding(e.g.SilkBanarasi),GItags,QRcodes,etc.
Supportfordigitalplatformsthatdirectlyconnectweaverswithconsumers,reducingintermediaries.
6. Hybrid Models
Combining traditional hand skills with selective tech (e.g. electronic Jacquard, sensor tracking) to retain uniquenesswhilegainingefficiency.
Encouragedesignsthatappealtonewercustomers(bothdomesticandglobal)withoutlosingauthenticity.
7. Addressing Cultural Resistance
Involvingcommunityeldersindecisionmaking;showingsuccessfulcasestudies.
Demonstratingthattechnologycanpreserve,notreplace,traditionalartistry.
4.CONCLUSION:
Technology adaption and awareness presents both promise and risk for the Varanasi’s handloom artisans. Awareness of technologyisreasonablygoodinmanyareasofcraftsmanship;adoptionisoftechnologygrowingespeciallyinweavingof machines, digital marketing, and supply‐chain improvements but for technology adoption to be widespread and sustainable. Technological adoption has some barriers like financial capacity of weavers, infrastructural, skill‐ based, institutional, and cultural all must be addressed in a coordinated manner. If the right mix of subsidies, training, infrastructure, and policy support is provided, combined with market initiatives and strong branding/authenticity certification, then the handloom sector in Varanasi can leverage technology to preserve its heritage while making it economically viable in the 21st century. The legacy of this handloom sector will be preserved and sustainable for longer time.
REFERENCES
1. Dasgupta, S. (2019). Protection of traditional crafts: A study of Banaras brocade and GI registration. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, 24(1),34–42.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
2. Katiyar,H.(2009). Banaras: The sacred city of Indian weaves.NewDelhi:RoliBooks.
3. Mukherjee, R. (2017). Geographical indications and the handloom industry: A study of Banaras. Economic and Political Weekly, 52(48),62–70.
4. Ranjan, A. (2018). Technology and tradition: The impact of digital tools on Indian handloom clusters. Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 6(1),23–39.
5. Roy,T.(2010). Traditional industry in the economy of colonial India.CambridgeUniversityPress.
6. Singh, R., & Singh, P. (2020). Technology adoption and challenges in the Indian handloom sector: A study of Varanasicluster. International Journal of Rural Management, 16(2),145–162.
7. Naik, M. K. P., & Bhardwaj, P. (2025). Barriers for the adoption of augmented reality business model in the Indian handloom industry Operations Management Research, 18(2),783–799.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12063-024-00472-6IDEAS/RePEc
8. Singh, S., & Kumar, R. (2018). Government Intervention ‐ Awareness & Outreach Among Handloom Weavers in Varanasi. The ICFAI University Journal of Management Research, 6(2),[pages].ResearchGate
9. Electronic jacquard machine helping Varanasi handloom weavers to enhance income. (2022, August 18). ETV Bharat.ETVBharat
10. Startup to provide technical support to handloom weavers. (2021,August13). Times of India.
TheTimesofIndia
11. Promoting traditional Banarsi fabric through technology. (2021,October17). Times of India.
TheTimesofIndia
12. ‘Silk Banarasi’, a guarantee of quality and authenticity. (2025,May20). Times of India.
TheTimesofIndia
13. Thearticle“TechnologicalinnovationreshapesIndia'shandloomsector.” Gulf News. GulfNews
14. Tiwari, A., & Chaudhary, D. K. (2024). The Role of Tibetan Brocades in Varanasi’s Handloom Industry: Past, Present,andFutureProspects. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(2),291–304. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i2.2024.1459GranthaalayahPublication
15. Kumar,P.,etal.(2023). Selection of yarns for manufacturing handloom Varanasi brocade by using the AHP method Polymer Bulletin, 81,4573–4590.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-023-04933-zSpringerLink