From Laborer to Owner: 270-Year Tradition Transforms Life, Employs 150

• Ashok Chauhan, once a laborer, now owns a factory producing Maheshwari sarees, employing over 150 people.
• Maheshwari sarees, known for their hand-woven royal tradition and unique designs, are popular in India and abroad.
• The Maheshwari industry was started by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar approximately 270 years ago.
• Ashok Chauhan began with five handlooms through government schemes and now operates over 23, with sarees ranging from 3,000 to over one lakh rupees.
• His factory produces 50-60 designs, supplies sarees nationally and internationally, and provides free training to new weavers.

Why It Matters: Ashok Chauhan's journey from laborer to successful entrepreneur highlights the power of traditional craft.