Arni Silk

The silk industry of the town of Arni, Tiruvannamalai District, which is famed for its embroidered silk saris and garments business is in the process of building a skilled labour force to tap National and International markets. The Arni silk industry is already getting its saris embroidered in Kanchipuram however there is not enough skilled labour available to even complete existing assignments.

The Textile and Handloom Department in association with three non governmental organisations (South India Trust, RWCDS, and the Tiruvannamalai and Annai Kasthuriba Handicraft Development Association for Rural Women) are conducting a free training programme on embroidery design on silk saris for thirteen ladies of Tiruvannamalai.




After the initial programme, the women will have to undergo further phases of training (under the supervision of technicians from Kanchipuram) in; computerized designing tools and colour combination and marketing. It is hoped that by the end of their training, the qualified ladies will be capable of training subsequent candidates.

Four to six women could simultaneously work on a sari on its embroidery frame bed. The immediate aim is to install at least 10 frame beds, with adequate skilled labour power, in the Temple town. It is believed that silk embroidery will help revitalise the Arni silk industry and at the same time open up new avenues of employment for women.