The state of Chhatisgarh in central India is marked by rich mineral and forest resources. The forests are the breeding grounds for the Indian silkworm that feeds on Saja, Sal and Arjun trees. The state is known for textiles woven in the soft textured Tussar silk produced from this silkworm.

Prakash Dewangan belongs to the Dewangan community from Chandrapur in the Jangir-Champa district, which is traditionally associated with weaving. Having learnt the craft from his elders, he started weaving simple patterns. At present, he employs around ten other weavers who take the yarn from him and weave in their homes. They make sarees and dupattas in Tussar silk. The sarees have a temple design border woven on one or both edges. This design is known as ‘Phera’. The temple motif rises from the border into the body of the saree, which is usually plain. Wherever the design is made on both the edges, two weavers work together and use two shuttles. 
Prakash has been associated with a government handloom association where he has learned new weaving techniques and has gained important insights about marketing his products. He now connects with buyers over the internet and visits fairs and exhibitions to showcase his work. While his income has increased over the years, arranging money to buy raw material for bulk orders remains a challenge. He and others in the industry would benefit if financial assistance could be made available for the purpose of procuring raw materials.