Q. Why Solapur is famous for Chaddar?

The chaddars and bedsheets known as Solapuri are very well-liked in India where they are woven by hand and are renowned for both their attractive appearance and long-lasting quality. Chaddars made in the Solapuri region of Maharashtra were the first product in the state to be granted Geographical Indication (GI) certification. The textile industry gave Solapur its name and reputation. It was formerly home to some of the biggest spinning mills in Asia. It would seem that the Peshwas were responsible for kicking off the process of expanding the handloom weaving business in Solapur during their reign. There were a great number of lone proprietor weavers operating their businesses independently within the sector. Each home containing an artisan had either one or two looms the operation of which was often delegated to the family patriarch. The family was the primary unit of labour and the women and children assisted the weaver in the preparation operations and in certain instances even participated in the dying process.