Craft Industries in India
I just returned from India, where I found out about the new Stone Artisan Park in Gujarat. With two separate locations, the government-funded park creates premises for stone artisans to work on their craft while also providing training and other r+d measures. It is exciting to see this initiative in a state where craft provides a regular source of income for many.
Image via Stone Artisan Park website
In India, the handicraft industry provides employment to approximately 13 million people, and that number is four times higher when taking into account the various supply chain providers and intermediaries. Handicrafts include wood, metal, earthen, and stone work as well as textiles, natural fibers, and leather and paper goods. The newest program has been actively managed by SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) since 2005. The project supports small and medium artisan enterprises via industrial and regional clusters.
The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage includes protection and safeguarding for traditional craft skills and knowledge. I am particularly interested in very old, traditional industries that have increased potential to provide other social uses – specifically textiles (clothing) and construction forms (housing).
- Sericulture: India is the world’s largest consumer of silk and the second largest producer after China.
- Architecture and Housing: Indian artisans and architects utilize traditional architectural knowledge to construct mandirs, or temples, across the globe. Artisans and craftsmen regularly build and rebuild dwellings and housing in vernacular styles across India.
Is the craft sector a relevant job sector? What are some aspects of technological change found here (for example, AutoCAD drafting for temple architecture, updated methods in the silk industry)?