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Business
Maharashtra's Hupari: Women artisans power ₹1,000-crore silver industry
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 06:44 AM
👁 3
Women artisans in Hupari, Maharashtra, sustain a century-old silver trade worth ₹1,000 crore, forging economic autonomy despite traditional barriers.
In the town of Hupari in Maharashtra, a unique economic landscape has emerged where women artisans are the primary drivers of a massive silver industry. This sector, valued at approximately ₹1,000 crore, has sustained a trade that has been active for over a century.
Despite the significant economic contribution of these women, they face challenges within the traditional social structure. Reports indicate that they are often underpaid and excluded from formal leadership positions in the industry.
However, the artisans have managed to forge their own path toward economic autonomy. Their resilience allows them to maintain their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy despite the prevailing traditional norms.
The situation highlights a complex dynamic in Hupari, where traditional gender roles intersect with a thriving commercial enterprise. The women's ability to sustain this century-old trade underscores their pivotal role in the region's economic history.
Despite the significant economic contribution of these women, they face challenges within the traditional social structure. Reports indicate that they are often underpaid and excluded from formal leadership positions in the industry.
However, the artisans have managed to forge their own path toward economic autonomy. Their resilience allows them to maintain their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy despite the prevailing traditional norms.
The situation highlights a complex dynamic in Hupari, where traditional gender roles intersect with a thriving commercial enterprise. The women's ability to sustain this century-old trade underscores their pivotal role in the region's economic history.