The Loom Must Never Fall Silent: Karuna Rajbongshi of Nalbari
Karuna Rajbongshi
The question this story follows:
“In a district where raw material costs rise and market demand fluctuates, can Karuna Rajbongshi keep the loom of Nalbari weaving through the next generation?”
Karuna Rajbongshi transitioned from handicrafts to handloom weaving in 2005 and has not looked back — weaving Muga silk Mekhela Chador as an act of family inheritance.
Karuna Rajbongshi grew up in Kathalbari, Nalbari, Assam, where the rhythm of the loom has always echoed through homes. She began her craft journey in handicrafts — patient, precise work — and when the market grew uncertain, she made a considered transition to handloom weaving in 2005. She has not looked back.
On her loom she weaves Mekhela Chador and blouse pieces, each taking about two days to complete. She works across three tiers: cotton pieces starting at Rs 700, Eri and Muga silk up to Rs 15,000. Raw materials are sourced from the local market. The economics are constantly tested by rising raw material prices.
What sustains Karuna through uncertainty is something deeper than commerce. This craft is her inheritance — passed through her family's generations — and she will pass it on to her children. The loom in her home must never fall silent.
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Episode 1: Karuna Rajbongshi — The Loom of Nalbari
My name is Karuna Rajbongshi, and I come from Nalbari, Assam — a land where the rhythm of the loom has echoed through homes for generations.
My journey in traditional craftsmanship began in handicrafts, a labour of love that demanded patience, precision, and countless hours of dedicated work. As the market grew uncertain and demand began to wane, I made a thoughtful decision: to transition into handloom weaving.
Since 2005, I have devoted myself to this art. On my loom, I weave some of Assam's most cherished creations — the Mekhela Chador and delicate blouse pieces, each taking roughly two days to complete from start to finish. Raw materials are sourced from the market.
The finest fabrics — Muga, Eri, and pure silk — carry the weight of their rarity, with finished pieces valued up to Rs 15,000. Cotton, more accessible and widely loved, starts at around Rs 700.
But what sustains me through it all is something far greater than commerce. This craft is not just my livelihood — it is my inheritance. Passed down through my family's generations, weaving is woven into who we are. And just as it was given to me, I will gladly pass it on to my children, so that the loom in our home never falls silent.