The Pochampally sarees are famous for their unique Ikat patterns. Central to this process is the art of Asu, a labor-intensive and time-consuming technique for winding yarn on a triangular frame. This process is made simple by the Laxmi Asu machine invented by Chintakindi Mallesham in the year 1999. These inventions and improvements led to increased speed and output in the production of Pochampally ikkat sarees. It brought about a radical transformation in the manufacturing of ikkat silk.
What is Laxmi Asu Machine?
Laxmi Asu machine is also called an Asu machine. It is an automatic yarn winding machine on a triangular frame in a specific pattern that helps to mark the design on the yarn. This machine consists of a microcontroller, motor, power transmission system, and arrangement for switching over the yarn from one spoke to another.
Its Features
Here are the key features of the Asu machine:
- Automated Yarn Winding: The Asu machine automates the intricate process of winding yarn onto a loom.
- Programmable Patterns: The machine can be programmed to follow specific patterns.
- Speed Control: It offers adjustable speed settings.
- Energy Efficient: It operates on minimal power, making it an energy-efficient option for weavers.
- Durable Build: The Asu machine is designed for long-term use, and minimal maintenance is required.
- Versatility: It is capable of handling different types of yarn, beyond Pochampally Ikat.
- Manual Override: In case of power failure or specific needs, the machine allows for manual intervention, giving weavers flexibility in their work.
Benefits
- Reducing the time and effort involved. So boosting productivity.
- The physical burden on the weavers is eliminated. This eliminated moving the hand over a space of one meter up and down around semi-circularly arranged pegs 9000 times for one saree.
- The machine allows more precise and consistent winding of yarn, improving the overall quality of the sarees.
- Preserves Tradition by easing the manual labor.
- Cost-effective.
The Laxmi Asu Machine Pricing
It is generally priced around INR 18,000 to INR 25,000, depending on the specific model, features, and seller. This pricing can vary slightly based on the region and the vendor offering the machine.
About Inventor, Chintakindi Mallesham
Chintakindi Mallesham is a Padma Shri awardee who is best known for inventing the Laxmi Asu Machine, a device that revolutionized the traditional process of weaving Pochampally Ikat sarees. Born in the small village of Sharajpet, in Telangana, Mallesham grew up in a family of weavers.
Mallesham’s mother, and many women in his village, would spend hours each day performing the Asu process, a task that required repetitive, strenuous motions and resulted in severe physical pain. Seeing this Mallesham wants to find a solution that could ease their burden.
Without any formal education in engineering, Mallesham started the journey of trial and error, dedicating over seven years to developing a machine that could replicate the Asu process mechanically. His mother’s name is Laxmi. So he named it as Laxmi Asu Machine. The machine not only alleviated the physical strain on weavers but also increased productivity and preserved the traditional art of Pochampally weaving. Mallesham got the Padma Shri award in 2017.