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The Sociotechnical System of Silk Weaving in Bishnupur Region in West Bengal

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  • Abhradip Banerjee
  • Gopalkrishna Chakrabarti

Abstract

The article analyses the sociotechnical system of the silk weaving industry in the Bishnupur region of West Bengal through a detailed description of processes and interactions between important technical elements and the human agents within a richly structured environment of silk cloth production. It shows that the various processes of silk cloth production and marketing constitute an ensemble of economic inequalities, skill differentiation and differences in power and prestige. Different groups restructure the hierarchy by participating in the network of silk cloth production in which raw materials are converted into stable or viable products. The article thus provides an overview of how capitalist development is shaping the lives and livelihoods of silk weaving artisans in West Bengal.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhradip Banerjee & Gopalkrishna Chakrabarti, 2022. "The Sociotechnical System of Silk Weaving in Bishnupur Region in West Bengal," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 17(1), pages 108-133, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soudev:v:17:y:2022:i:1:p:108-133
    DOI: 10.1177/09731741221083086
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tirthankar Roy, 2002. "Acceptance of innovations in early twentieth–century Indian weaving," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 55(3), pages 507-532, August.
    2. Annapurna Mamidipudi & Radhika Gajjala, 2008. "Juxtaposing handloom weaving and modernity: building theory through praxis," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 235-244, April.
    3. Roy,Tirthankar, 2007. "Traditional Industry in the Economy of Colonial India," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521033053, June.
    4. Clingingsmith, David & Williamson, Jeffrey G., 2008. "Deindustrialization in 18th and 19th century India: Mughal decline, climate shocks and British industrial ascent," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 45(3), pages 209-234, July.
    5. S. Mansoob Murshed, 2004. "Globalization and South Asia: A Perspective," South Asia Economic Journal, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, vol. 5(2), pages 311-326, September.
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