Sircilla Showcases Soul of Weaving, Lives of Weavers at ‘Jota’ Chowrasta
A prominent attraction is a large statue of the ‘Jota’, a tool used in handloom weaving that moves from one end to another on the maggam
ADILABAD: Following the display of a Pochampalli ikat dress by ikat brand ambassador Rashmi Thakur at the Cannes Film Festival, Sircilla is showcasing the stages of handloom weaving and the lives of weavers through installations at the Collectorate, drawing public attention. A ‘Jota’ chowrasta is set to be inaugurated shortly.
A prominent attraction is a large statue of the ‘Jota’, a tool used in handloom weaving that moves from one end to another on the maggam. Developed at a cost of ₹3 crore, the chowrasta also features statues depicting various stages of the weaving process.
The installations include representations of yarn-making from cotton, dyeing of yarn, spinning to create ‘kande’ (bundle of yarn), and weaving on both handlooms and power looms. An existing statue of a weaver at the old bus stand continues to symbolise Sircilla’s traditional weaving culture.
The exhibits portray the cycle of weaving and the life of weavers, highlighting the central role of the ‘jota’ or ‘kande’ in the process. They also reflect the skill, patience and concentration required in weaving, particularly in managing thread breakage and maintaining design precision.
Writer Pathipaka Mohan, from the weavers’ community, has documented their struggles in his long poem ‘Thegina Pogu’ (Broken Thread), which reflects livelihood challenges and distress among weavers.
He said traditional Sircilla weavers produced handloom saris such as ‘Thella Bugidilu’ and ‘Irkul’, known for their finish and design. He also referred to saris woven by artisans like Nalla Parandhamulu, Nalla Vijay and Veldi Hariprasad, noted for their fine craftsmanship.
Filmmaker Shyam Benegal had earlier depicted the lives of weavers in his film Susman.
Community elders said earlier generations of artisans could weave intricate saris that could pass through the eye of a needle, reflecting high levels of craftsmanship. Sircilla weavers are currently receiving orders to manufacture saris for distribution to members of self-help groups in the state. Earlier, they were engaged in producing Bathukamma saris.
