According to official estimates, there are at least 7 million Indian artisans. If we include unofficial sources, that can go up to 200 million. This translates, roughly, to about 14% of the entire population.
Quite significant, isn’t it?
Of course, but then again, there was never any doubt about the beauty and the attraction of Indian handloom and handicrafts.
But wait, why are we talking about Indian handicrafts today?
Well, there are two main reasons for this. The first, of course, is to draw attention to the sheer skill and talent of the Indian artisan community. The second, more importantly, is to talk about how we can preserve and protect these art forms.
After all, uniqueness and special skills should always be promoted. If we, as responsible Indians, don’t take an initiative to protect and empower these communities, then who will?
Now, when I talk about Indian handicrafts, I refer to everything ranging from chikankari embroidery to blue pottery, from attars to terracotta. Handmade, handcrafted, and representing a community — that is the world of Indian handicrafts.
So let’s get back to the original question — how can we preserve these art forms?
How To Promote Indian Handicrafts
Well, it’s very simple.
It all starts with our own behaviour patterns. The next time you’re out shopping, do remember to be a conscious and responsible consumer and think about local handcrafted substitutes for larger mass producing conglomerates.
For example, if you’re buying clothes, look for local materials and designs. Opt for regional prints on soft mulmul or khadi. Opt for the small artisan who is working tirelessly to keep his craft alive. Opt for the smaller store and the one-of-a-kind design.
The other thing that we can do is to raise awareness about the various government schemes to develop the handicrafts industry in India.
Yes, you heard that right.
The Ministry of Textiles is a strong force in the community development of Indian artisans. Well-aware of the sheer potential this industry represents, the government has set up numerous programs to help these artisans and provide support.
Let’s find out more about these schemes.
Government Schemes For Empowering Indian Artisans
These schemes are divided into two categories — those meant to promote separate handicrafts (National Handicrafts Development Programme) and those meant to promote the handicraft clusters (Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme).
Now, what are handicraft clusters?
These are essentially areas where the artisans tend to form a community. It could be a village or an area inside a village that practises a particular art form.
For example, there are recognised Madhubani clusters in Jitwarpur in Bihar, Bandhej clusters in Nagaur in Rajasthan, and hundreds of others all over India. At present, there are about 744 clusters.
The purpose of these schemes is to provide infrastructure and bring some structure to these unorganised markets. Most of these clusters have been functioning in the same manner for generations. As a result, there is not much optimisation, or infusion of technology to improve the output.
Let’s take a look at the available schemes.
1. Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Program
This program has been set up to allow for the transfer of knowledge. Experienced artisans who have been following the age-old traditional methods of bringing authenticity to their craft share their knowledge with the next generation of artists.
The govt of India sponsors organisations that organise such training and upskilling programs. There are other longer programs as well, for people who want to learn these crafts from scratch.
The purpose of Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Program is to encourage knowledge transmission and train more artisans, thus indirectly upscaling production.
2. Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
This scheme focuses on the sustainable development of the handicraft clusters in India. Since its launch in 2001, the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana has worked to provide a complete support package to help artisans get their product market ready.
For those clusters which produce export-oriented clusters, the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts brings them under the Mentorship Development program.
In other words, AHVY opens all sorts of doors and provides faster access to growth and prosperity. In fact, it even has a special Entrepreneurship Development Program for talented community members who want to come forward and represent their cluster.
Think of it as a scholarship of sorts. If you’re talented at your craft and passionate about it, the govt of India will have your back!
3. Marketing and Research support
The Ministry of Textiles organises a variety of exhibitions and trade shows to provide Indian artisans with a platform to showcase their work. This includes everything ranging from Craft Bazaars to handicrafts fairs, from awareness programs to fashion shows. It even covers international events.
4. Direct support
Those artisans who have become masters of their craft are also eligible for direct financial assistance. There are also several schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Aam Admi Bima Yojana which provide insurance support to artisans and their families.
This is not a comprehensive list. There are several other smaller schemes that artisans can benefit from. However, these are the most popular and the most useful schemes that everyone should know about.
So let’s recap what we’ve learned so far.
Millions of Indian artisans.
Our responsibility to protect and promote.
Ministry of Textile schemes for empowering artisan communities.
It’s all rosy, isn’t it?
But the question is — why should you promote Indian handicrafts? If it was really that good, it would have sold itself, wouldn’t it?
Yes and no.
Keep reading to find out.
Why Should You Promote Indian Handicrafts?
Firstly, let’s approach the issue from a philosophical standpoint.
The fact remains that locally produced handicrafts and textiles are a big part of our past. It contains within its threads the very essence that makes India what it is. It is our history, and it deserves to be nurtured and nourished.
Secondly, let’s look at it from a purely consumeristic point of view.
Indian handicrafts rock.
Let’s face it. Bright colours, soulful designs and intricate embroidery — what’s not to love? It’s an amalgamation of cultures and traditions — a kaleidoscope of colours and flavours. They can brighten up any occasion and they do so without adding to the plastic wastage around the world!
Thirdly, let’s address this from a purely logical perspective.
Indian handicrafts brought in $4.3 billion in 2021 alone. And this is a market which is largely unstructured. Can you imagine how much this industry will be worth if we can actually reach its full potential?
Well, guys, that brings me to the end of this blog.
We all have a small part to play in the preservation of the Indian handicrafts industry. Let’s solemnly pledge to stay true to our traditions and consume local wherever possible.
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