Bidis were possibly invented in the 17^th century in southern Gujarat, where tobacco was initially cultivated. Laborers rolled tobacco leftover in broad leaves of certain trees. In the early part of the 20^th century, the bidi industry expanded, benefiting from the popular rejection of ‘foreign’ cigarettes as part of the Swadeshi movement. By the mid-20^th century, factory-based production of bidis declined, and it became a cottage industry.
 
Bidis are primarily rolled by women and children in their households, wherein they roll tobacco in cut tendu leaf and then tie it with a thread. The leaf is tucked in at the end using a sharp knife. Children are preferred by contractors given their nimble fingers for rolling bidis. 

Bidi rolling has occupational hazards, including body pain, postural health conditions, and a high incidence of lung diseases like bronchial asthma and tuberculosis, due to inhalation of fine tobacco dust. The wages for bidi rolling remain typically low, and exploitation of workers by middlemen or contractors is also widely documented. 

As India aims to effectively control tobacco products, it is vital to keep in mind the need for rehabilitation of people working in the tobacco industry to safer and viable alternative occupations.

This sketch is of an adolescent girl from a town in Rajasthan and is based on a photograph (CC License) by Jeffrey Leventhal/ILO.