In the rural Indian village of Kali Beri, about 10 miles north of Jodhpur,
@saheliwomen work to preserve and promote traditional Rajasthani textile arts—and the livelihoods of its skilled craftswomen.
The area has long been known as a global center of textiles, but after nearly two centuries of British colonial rule, machine looms became standard, replacing handmade fabrics that had sustained generations of artisans. In the past 20 years, however, a revival has taken root across the state.
Writer
@lesliepariseau spent the day with the group and its founder, Madhu Vaishnav. The collective is capable of full-cycle production—from sourcing and making fabrics to designing, dyeing, stitching, and creating clothing for its namesake label, as well as for a dozen designers around the globe.
But the group isn’t just about the production of these fabrics. Saheli Women’s workshops provide built-in education for both the artisans and their children: many are learning math, literacy, and chemistry alongside mastering their complex craft, and the collective is working to open a vocational school by early 2027.
Learn more about Saheli Women, how they empower the women in their community, and how to visit them at the link in our bio.
Story by
@lesliepariseau
Video by
@maheimerman , Afar photo director
