The traditional handloom cloth is now often replaced by power loom fabric. One such craft of Patku weaving is on the verge of extinction. Jyoti Navalani, PhD scholar, Department of Clothing and Textiles from the Faculty of Family and Community Sciences at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, is trying to revive Gujarat's dying Patku weaving art. This type of handloom fabric is made using the weft Ikat technique. It was once worn by the tribal group of Chaudharis living in the districts of South Gujarat especially Mandvi, Vyara, Walod and Bardoli of Surat. It gradually disappeared with the changing times. As the power loom took over the traditional handicrafts, the tribal people also turned to modern wear.

Author-Gopi Shah