Weaving is the centre of Padmasaliyar identity. But the history of South Indian weaving was made by many communities together. So here we do not exaggerate the part played by the Padmasaliyar; respecting the other weaving communities too, we show only what the records say.
Purana
Living community tradition
Written evidence
Yet to be verified / collected
Weaving — a trade and a tradition
Handloom weaving is a family trade. The skill is handed down from generation to generation: preparing the yarn, dyeing, setting up the loom, weaving the design. Because of this, weavers’ settlements took the form of separate streets and a separate community life.
Kanchipuram and silk weaving
Inscriptional evidence — the Saliyar tax
Garments for temples
Trade
Today’s challenges
Contribution to society
Beyond weaving, members of this community have also contributed in education, community associations, temple trusts, medicine, politics and the arts.
At a glance
Statement
Category
Weaving as a service to God; the story of Bhavana Rishi
Kulapurana
Settlement of the Devanga and Pattusaliyar in Kanchipuram (15th–16th centuries)
Written evidence
“Saliyar” and the Saliyar tax in Kanchipuram in the 10th century
Inscriptional evidence (the source must be confirmed)
Large silk retail houses belong to Padmasaliyar families
Living tradition / trade
Education, associations, public service
Yet to be collected
Next chapter
8. Padmasaliyar in the age of kings — records of inscriptions, royal patronage, weavers’ rights and taxes.
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