Since ancient times, India's handwoven textile industry has been one of the world's largest and most renowned for making sarees, a traditional silk dress.

At its centre is Varanasi, home to about 700,000 weavers.

But now many are struggling to survive.

The introduction of mechanical power looms - which can do the work of up to 10 handweavers at a much cheaper rate - have left most of the city's handlooms lying idle.

Al Jazeera's Prerna Suri reports on how a centuries old art is in real danger of extinction.

[March 19, 2010]

The introduction of mechanical power looms - which can do the work of up to 10 handweavers at a much cheaper rate - has left most of the city's handlooms lying idle.

Al Jazeera's Prerna Suri reports from Varanasi on how a centuries old art is in real danger of extinction.

[March 19, 2010]