About
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The Solapuri Chaddar, a traditional handwoven cotton bedspread from Solapur, Maharashtra, has been renowned for its durability and unique designs.
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It received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. The chaddar is made through an intricate process involving doubling of yarn, dyeing, winding, warping, and weaving, traditionally carried out by skilled artisans.
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However, this once-thriving industry is now in decline due to changing consumer preferences, competition from synthetic textiles, and cheaper alternatives from Panipat and China. Additionally, the high cost of production, water scarcity, and lack of innovation in designs have further worsened the situation.
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Many manufacturers have shifted to towel production, which has a better market demand, while power loom numbers have drastically reduced. The government’s failure to curb counterfeit ‘Solapur’ chaddars from other regions has also contributed to the downfall. Today, the survival of this heritage textile industry depends on innovation, branding, and stronger government support to revive demand and sustain the livelihoods of thousands of weavers.