Weaving Factory, Cherai

One day on my way to Cherai Beach, I heard the familiar clack clack of weaving looms. I decided to go in and check it out. None of the women here spoke English but they were perfectly happy for me to take a look around and take their pictures. Unfortunately, their idea of posing was to keep working or to stop completely and strike a non-weaving pose, so I didn't quite get the shots I was after.

I was really struck by the woman winding the thread. If there's a laborious way to work, Indians will find it. Or perhaps the truth rather is, that most indian workers still work with very antiquated methods, tools and equipment. It is striking how backward India is in this regard. I think the reason why it persists is that those who are in a position to provide more modern equipment don't because it is cheaper to employ more workers, they are paid so badly.

These women would be lucky if they earned 75r or AUD$2 per day. They may well earn a lot less.