Estimating a Demand Function for Handloom Textiles in Calcutta: 1987-88

This paper attempts to make an appraisal of the Bengal hand loom market in Calcutta. The objective is to identify and observe the characteristics of that segment of consumers who purchase hand loom the most. If the right set of consumers can be identified it will be convenient for the weavers to cater to the tastes of that particular section. To build up a homogeneous set of consumers out of a heterogeneous lot through the process of elimination is the main focus of our study. The process of elimination begins with the correct specifications of variables which will jointly determine the desired set.