Laxman of Pangna-Suket Keeps Traditional Handloom Heritage Alive Amid Modernization.
Pangna-Suket:
In an era where mechanization has rapidly overshadowed traditional crafts, one man stands as a proud custodian of India’s rich handloom heritage. Laxman, a 67-year-old resident of Nagarah near Pangna under Karsog assembly constituency of Mandi district, has kept alive the dying tradition of handloom weaving for over five decades.
Once a powerful symbol of the Indian freedom struggle, handlooms and charkhas (spinning wheels) were at the heart of the Swadeshi movement, especially after the 1905 Bengal Partition. Promoted extensively by Mahatma Gandhi, the charkha became a national emblem of self-reliance, inspiring communities across India to weave their own fabric and boycott foreign goods.
In Himachal Pradesh, this spirit took root in the former capital of Suket state — Pangna. During the early 20th century, several handlooms were installed in the region to promote Swadeshi clothing. People wore hand-woven garments with pride, embracing them as a statement of nationalism.
However, with the advent of industrialization post-independence, the handloom industry suffered a steep decline. Today, most of the traditional looms have disappeared from households, and the art is on the brink of extinction.
Defying this trend, Laxman continues to weave shawls, mufflers, and coat fabrics on his ancestral loom. He learned the craft from his maternal grandfather of Bushahr and grandmother from Kinnaur, both skilled weavers.
Despite the cultural significance, Laxman notes the profession offers little financial incentive today. “It is hard to earn more than Rs. 300 a day from weaving,” he says. “That’s why the younger generation shows little interest in learning this craft.”
Experts like Dr. Himendra Bali “Him”, President of the Suket Sanskriti Sahitya Evam Jan Kalyan Manch, and cultural scholar Dr. Jagdish Sharma stress the urgent need to preserve and revive the handloom industry. They believe safeguarding this heritage is essential not only for cultural continuity but also for upholding the spirit of Indian self-reliance and craftsmanship.
As the world moves toward fast fashion and automated production, Laxman’s humble loom tells a story of resilience, tradition, and patriotism — threads woven tightly into the fabric of India’s soul.
