History of Clusters
Concentration of units in a given geographical location producing same or similar types of products and facing common opportunities and threats is called a cluster. Clustering has been the age old phenomenon in India. Clusters have been in existence in India for centuries and are known for their products at the national and international level. India has more than 6400 clusters. These have been typified as industrial, handloom, and handicraft clusters. Clusters represent the socio-economic heritage of the country where some of the towns or contiguous group of villages known for a specific product or a range of complementary products that have been in existence for decades and centuries. In a typical cluster, producers often belong to a traditional community, producing the long-established products for generations. Indeed, many artisan clusters are centuries old. Given below are examples of such clusters.
Handloom Cluster of Chanderi
Chanderi is a town of historical importance in Ashok Nagar District of Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi weaving has created some of India’s most elegant saris, shimmering gossamer-light cotton fabrics that are ideal as summer wear. It is traditionally woven with pure handspun cotton yarn. Chanderi weaves today are produced using three raw materials: cotton, silk thread, and zari, or gold thread. There are 3500 looms and 7000 weavers in Chanderi. It is a renowned centre for traditional weavers of saree. 4 The Chanderi saree is a common name in middle & rich societies and is in high demand everywhere.
Handicraft Cluster of Moradabad. :
Moradabad is a city in Uttar Pradesh. The brassware industry in Moradabad bloomed in early 19th century and British took the art to foreign markets. It is called ‘Peetal (Brass) City’ and is worldwide famous for its Brass Metal Handicrafts. Today, it is said to house around 29% of the metalwork-artisans of India. Moradabad’s brassware is exported to many countries besides USA,...
