The term “Julayi” originated due to the obstacles created by the British to destroy the handloom industry in India. They used their authority to render workers jobless and implemented programs that harassed the laborers.
As a result, handloom workers lost all opportunities to continue their craft. Dire conditions arose, and they were left with no means of livelihood. Since they were unskilled in other professions, they struggled to find any other work. With no jobs available, they spent their days aimlessly wandering.
In those times, it was the handloom workers who were seen wandering without work. In Hindi, the word “Julayi” refers to someone who makes a “maggam” (a type of handloom fabric). Since these workers were often left without jobs and were seen wandering the streets, others began to call them “Julayi,” as a way to address their unfortunate circumstances. Thus, the handloom workers, who were once proud artisans, became depicted as aimless wanderers, subjected to ridicule and humiliation. This is how the term “Julayi” came to be associated with those in the handloom community during that period.
