Mahura Weaves is a brand driven by the women of rural Assam, committed to reviving traditional Assam handloom and increasing the average incomes of 3,600 families. By rejuvenating traditional weaving, Mahura Weaves promotes diversified handloom products and expands access to larger markets.

Assam handloom, once a symbol of royal patronage, now struggles with outdated techniques, management challenges, limited market access, digital divide, and environmental changes. Despite its historical and economic significance revitalization of this art form became challenging. Bringing new life to Assam handloom, which is the second largest economic activity in the region, seems like a distant dream. 

In the aspirational district of Darrang, Assam, a beautiful weaving tradition once thrived, with nearly every household contributing to the click-clack symphony of the loom. Young girls, without exception, were adept at creating magic on the loom. However, cultural changes and modern challenges have gradually silenced the looms’. 

In Assam, weaving and women are deeply connected, both “Thriving for Recognition” in their shared pursuit of empowerment and acknowledgment. The significance of women in their household economies cannot be overstated, just as the importance of weaving in the state’s economy is equally indispensable. Despite their significant contributions, women often face insufficient recognition and are vulnerable to social issues like gender inequality, violence, and child marriage. Likewise, while weaving contributes alongside agriculture, it remains underutilized as a robust economic activity.

Assam, an agriculturally-based state, faces challenges due to its flood-prone nature, with places like Darrang becoming increasingly vulnerable to such climatic issues, where education, economic empowerment, and proper recognition have also become luxuries.

 This challenging scenario of the district has welcomed numerous organizations to aid in its development. Among them, FXB India Suraksha (FXBIS), an Indian non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to providing development assistance to marginalized children, women, and communities in both rural and urban areas, began its efforts to initiate development in Darrang in 2016.

Since its inception, FXBIS has steadfastly committed itself to uplifting marginalized communities in Darrang by addressing a spectrum of challenges, including cultural barriers, societal inequalities, and environmental concerns. Through the intervention, FXBIS embodies a holistic approach that addresses not only the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by communities, but also revitalizes the lives of women weavers, empowering them to become the mainstays of their families. 

FXBIS is enhancing the weaving skills and product quality of these artisans. This enables the community to embrace weaving as a dependable secondary income, safeguarding financial stability even amidst calamities like floods that devastate crops and threaten traditional livelihoods in agriculturally dominated economies. 

Furthermore, FXBIS helped weavers to build brand for their Assam handlooms namely Mahura Weaves and facilitates market linkage for weavers, connecting them to broader markets and ensuring fair prices for their products. This comprehensive support helps weavers sustain their families, preserve their heritage, and contribute to the state’s economy, making weaving a reliable and climate-resilient secondary source of income.

Mahura Weaves is more than just a label—it represents the strength of women.