In 2011, I taught history and writing at Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore. As part of the teaching unit ‘Silk Route’, I led an expedition of students to Vijaypura, a silk weaving community, and Gopalpura, a silkworm rearing community in the outskirts of Bangalore.  My approach was to teach the history of silk route by delineating its present-day connections. Karnataka is well known for its silk that is locally produced. What is the impact of factory produced silk imported from China on the local handloom industry?

The students were able to observe the deplorable state of women in the industry as well as understand the volatile nature of the silk market which has led to several suicides of silk farmers in the recent past through the interviews we conducted. More importantly, they were able to value ethical practices in buying and using silk.