Routledge - The World of the Banaras Weaver: A Culture in Crisis

Explore the complex social fabric of India through this ethnographic study. The World of the Banaras Weaver: A Culture in Crisis provides a deep investigation into how communalism affects everyday life. By using the metaphor of tana-bana - the warp and the weft of the Banarasi sari - the author illustrates the connected lives of Hindu-Muslim relations within the local sari industry. Set in the city of Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, this book examines the tension between the city's reputation as a sacred Hindu site and its actual plural character. It offers a detailed look at the lives of Banaras Muslims, focusing on their social and economic realities. This volume is an essential read for those interested in the cultural and social dynamics of the Banarasi weaving community and the broader implications of communalism in modern India.