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Lotus, Padma and the weaving tradition

The word “Padma”, the facts about lotus-fibre weaving, the meaning of the word “Sali”, the names of South Indian weavers — a chapter that looks at each in turn.

Chapters (15)
  1. Who are the Padmasaliyar?
  2. Bhavana Rishi and the Padmasaliyar tradition
  3. The puranic tradition of origin
  4. Lotus, Padma and the weaving tradition
  5. Ancient homeland and migration
  6. Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
  7. The weaving trade and contribution to society
  8. Padmasaliyar in the age of kings
  9. Temples, religion and culture
  10. Social structure, gotras and divisions
  11. The tradition of the curse — a separate section
  12. The colonial period and its records
  13. Padmasaliyar in modern times
  14. The community around the world
  15. Conclusion
Chapter 4

Lotus, Padma and the weaving tradition

The name Padmasaliyar contains two words: Padma and Sali. The meaning of the first is clear; the second is explained in more than one way. This chapter separates what is known, what is tradition and what still needs research.

  • Purana / Kulapurana
  • Living community tradition
  • Written evidence
  • Yet to be verified

Padma — the lotus

Padma means lotus. In Hindu tradition the lotus carries the symbolic value of purity, divinity and creation. The Padmasaliyar Kulapurana joins this symbol to weaving.

Lotus-fibre cloth — does it really exist?

Drawing thread from the fibre of the lotus stem and weaving cloth from it is a craft that exists even today. But the records of it come from other places.

Sali — the weaver

The community takes the word “Sali” to mean weaver. The word is also found in the names of Telugu weaving communities.

South Indian weaving traditions side by side

The Padmasaliyar are not a community that stands alone; there are many weaving communities and names in South India. This site must handle the relationship with them respectfully.

  • There is a record that Sale / Saliya are names of Telugu weavers.
  • The Backward Classes list of Andhra Pradesh contains many weaving names; some research papers make it clear that not all of them are Padmasaliyar.
  • There are many weaving communities in Tamil Nadu; each has its own history and its own tradition.

Summary of this chapter

StatementCategory
Padma = lotusMeaning of the word
Bhavana Rishi wove a garment from lotus fibreKulapurana
Lotus-fibre weaving (Inle Lake, Manipur)Written evidence (no South Indian record)
The names Sale, Saliya, JulaiWritten evidence
The root of the word “Sali”Yet to be verified
Weaving and the garment trade todayLiving tradition

Next chapter

5. The ancient homeland and migration of the Padmasaliyar — we look at what is known, and what is not known, about migration from the Andhra regions to other places.