The advent of the 6-spindle Pirn Winding Machine is a boon for weavers who would find it difficult to transport bulky machines for weaving into remote hilly areas where the trade is often practiced. Here’s more on the invention.
Imagine a weaver’s village nestled in a remote, hilly terrain, where transporting large, costly machinery for yarn winding has always been impossible. Here, every pirn, a small device critical for weaving fabric, is carefully wound by hand—a process that, at its peak, produces only around 600 grams of yarn per day.
But with the advent of a new innovation by RuTAG IIT Guwahati—the 6-spindle Pirn Winding Machine—weavers are breaking free from the slow pace of manual labor and embracing a more efficient, sustainable future.
The Pirn Winding Machine, designed with the specific needs of rural and hilly regions in mind, offers a practical solution to the inefficiencies of manual winding. Traditionally, this task was performed using a charkha, or manual spinning wheel, limiting the weaver’s output and, subsequently, their income potential. As weaving is one of the primary livelihoods in many villages, this machine addresses a pressing need for efficient, affordable solutions to bolster productivity.
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The technology incorporates a 0.5 HP motor, allowing it to wind between 8 to 10 kg of yarn per day—an impressive increase compared to manual output. Crafted with materials that are durable yet lightweight, the machine is small enough to transport easily across rural and hilly landscapes, making it accessible to communities that previously had no choice but to rely on labor-intensive handwork.
The Pirn Winding Machine has another unique advantage: its affordability. Costing Rs 60,000 per unit, it’s a fraction of the price of similar machines commonly found in other regions, which are built with heavy cast iron and often exceed Rs 1 lakh in price. Besides the high cost, these machines are bulky and difficult to transport—further limiting access for small-scale weavers in remote areas.
Here’s where RuTAG IIT Guwahati’s design shines. By developing a compact, cost-effective machine that performs exceptionally well with various types of yarn, including the regionally popular Eri and Muga silk, it empowers weavers to not only produce more but also to diversify their output with different yarns.
Beyond boosting productivity, this innovation aligns with critical sustainable development goals: no poverty, decent work and economic growth. For weavers, the switch from manual to mechanised pirn winding doesn’t just enhance efficiency—it elevates their overall income and opens opportunities for skill development in machine operation.
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Let’s envision a scenario: a family in a small Assamese village relies on weaving as their main source of income. The mother spends hours each day manually winding pirns, which takes away time she could be dedicating to more productive or family-oriented activities. When the family invests in the Pirn Winding Machine, her workload is reduced by more than half. The mother can now produce enough yarn not just for her own weaving but also to sell to other artisans in the community. With the time saved, she can also attend skill-development workshops, helping her improve her craft and contribute more effectively to the household income.
The weaving industry has long depended on tools and techniques that date back centuries, and while these methods hold cultural value, they often lead to drudgery and inefficiency. The Pirn Winding Machine addresses these concerns head-on, bringing dignity and ease to the lives of rural weavers. Weavers can now invest their energy into the artistry of weaving rather than the laborious task of yarn winding.
RuTAG IIT Guwahati’s machine fosters community engagement, as more villages learn about the innovation and pool resources to bring a unit into their area. In doing so, the machine becomes a community asset, aiding collective growth and economic resilience. Such technological interventions are essential, not only for their immediate benefits but also for their role in setting a new standard in rural development.
In an era where technology is often associated with urban development, innovations like the Pirn Winding Machine remind us of the power of localised, accessible solutions. It stands as an example of how the weaving industry, often overshadowed by large-scale manufacturing, can be modernised in a way that honours traditional skills while improving livelihoods.
As more communities adopt the Pirn Winding Machine, it symbolises the broader potential of sustainable, community-focused innovations. It’s not merely a machine; it’s a tool for empowerment, proving that sometimes, the smallest advancements can spark the most profound change.
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The lead image on top depicts the 6-spindle Pirn Winding Machine, an innovation by RuTAG IIT Guwahati. (Screengrab from a YouTube video of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India)
