History
Named after the gilded pride of Chhattisgarh, Kosa silk, Kosala is geared to revive tradition and make it accessible to a global audience. Once celebrated for its high quality Kosa silk now faces the looming threat of rapid mechanization and low-cost blending which affects both weavers and patrons alike. Hasty technological growth has left little space for hand crafted textiles that demand a greater degree of physical care, and in its place set up cheap replicas of traditionally venerated textiles like Kosa, which was revered for its natural lustrous glow. With the gap between producers and consumers widening by the second, this traditional craft is at an accelerating risk of extinction. Without a direct link to larger urban markets, traditional artisans are struggling to secure fair wages. Shrinking markets for their produce have already led many to turn away from the traditional art form, with the few remaining struggling to meet the sensibilities of modern patrons. However, if the practice of spinning and weaving Kosa skips even a generation, it will be lost forever.
Philosophy
Kosala, an initiative by Hindalco, began with the intention of reviving the tribal craft of Kosa silk, indigenous to the Dewangan community of Chhattisgarh. Its core purpose is to conserve the traditional tribal artform, build a sustainable ecosystem for its artisan community, and create platforms which allow global patrons to access traditional crafts. It believes that the community is the soul of the craft and thus commits itself to create a future where traditional weavers of the Chhattisgarh thrive, so the lovers of traditional handloom we can access the rewards of Kosa.
Mission
Building sustainable livelihoods and bringing people together is the purpose of Kosala. Our mission is to impact the lives of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous Kosa silk reelers and weavers by nurturing an eco-system that bridges the gap between traditional craft, contemporary design, and global accessibility.
The Trust
Kosala Livelihood and Social Foundation is a social enterprise that is driven by the desire to create sustainable livelihoods for the traditional Kosa weaver community in Chhattisgarh. As part of Hindalco, an Aditya Birla Group Company – Kosala intends to create a balance between social and economic factors for developing the mining areas in India. This initiative has been conceptualized in association with Xynteo Vikaasa – a unique coalition working with multiple stakeholders to create sustainable growth models
Roadmap
Kosala is a social enterprise that is driven by the desire to create sustainable livelihoods for the traditional Kosa weaver community in Chhattisgarh. As part of Hindalco, an Aditya Birla Group Company – Kosala intends to create a balance between social and economic factors for developing the mining areas in India. This initiative has been conceptualized in association with Xynteo Vikaasa – a unique coalition working with multiple stakeholders to create sustainable growth models.