"Textiles and Weavers provides a comprehensive history of the world of weaving in South India from the tenth century onwards." "Vijaya Ramaswamy presents a rare account of the socio-economic world of weavers - oral traditions, their status and roles, and relationship with the state. She discusses the importance of social networks like caste, religion, and culture in textile production and trade. The author also analyses related production processes, textile technology, commercial organization, trade, and taxation."--BOOK JACKET.