The cotton power loom industry was started some time towards the beinning, of the 20th century. Attracted by the relative merits of the weaving with the help of power, some enterprising traditional handloom weavers gradually took over to the convenient and efficient system of cloth weaving. The machinery was mostly second-hand discarded by Mills which was employed by renovating, and reconditioning the same.

Ichalkaranji is known as the Manchester of Maharashtra. Ichalkaranji is a Princely state situated on the banks of Panchganga River (Marathi: पंचगंगानदी).

It could be stated that the major factor behind the installation Of power looms has been the desire of the handloom weavers to improve their efficiency and productivity and reduce the strain of operation.

The power loom is a golden means between well organized mill sector and outdated handlooms.

Ichalkaranji a place in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is 250 miles away from Mumbai. With only 10,000 population around 1940. Only a few handloom weavers struggled for their existence.