CRAFTS AND CRAFTSMAN

TENZIN DOKAR, 1100100139

EVALUATING THE FACTORS IN URBAN AREA FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF CRAFTSMEN IN

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE HAAT

AIM

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Improving the economic status of rural craftsmen, thereby promoting the survival of indigenous traditional crafts through training, production and marketing in urban area.

OBJECTIVE To examine the constraints and opportunities in the handicraft sector. To identify the factors and locations of traditional haats in an urban

context affecting sustainable livelihood of the rural craftsmen. Importance of the urban haat and linkages for sustaining craft based

livelihoods.

India's myriad crafts traditions and living crafts skills has been vehicle of its cultural identity.It has one of the most ancient and diverse traditions of handmade products, and its handicraft industry has been an important cultural, social and economic asset. The craftsmen are the “backbone of the non-farm rural economy”.

INTRODUCTION

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Economic opportunities:• Employment and income;• Social benefits;• Migration;• Economic growth; The global market for handicrafts is USD400 billion, of which India's share is below 2% representing a tremendous growth opportunity.

Environmental benefits:• Low energy

requirement ;• Low carbon footprints.

Why is the need to study and promote about the traditional arts and culture of India?

The factors responsible for the deterioration of exchange of crafts of rural craftsmen?

How the capital city location of traditional haat affects the craft communities?

RESEARCH QUESTION

The factors responsible for deteriorating the exchange of arts and crafts are:• Lack of adequate infrastructure and marketing facilities; • Presence of middlemen/agencies between the craftsmen and the

consumers;• Absolute dearth of communication skills forced these gifted artisans to

turn nomadic and shift to alternative livelihood opportunities;

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• Lack of design inputs; no interaction between craftsmen and consumer

• Lack of exposure and promotion to the urban market

• The presence of multiple government bodies have resulted in a lack of unified policy for the craft sector;

• In the case of temporary bazaars, due to ever- spiralling venue costs and rentals makes it costlier for the craftsmen

METHODOLOGYThe study has concentrated on two urban haats, both located in capital cities

BHOPAL HAAT

SWABHUMI PLAZA

Factors Bhopal haat Swabhumi Location Located in capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

(2.5 acres)Located in capital city of West Bengal. (6 acres)

Site Prime urban location, beside one of the biggest mall of Bhopal. Surrounding space enhances the location of haat and is a pull factor for the urban consumer.

The site is located on the only natural hillock of Kolkata. Undulating landscape, lush greenery etc. adds on value to the site.

Function It is in operation only for 7-10 days in a month hence, restricting a steady growth of income to the craftsmen.

It is in operation all year round and so it provides a stable income to the craftsmen.

Topography Slightly slope, almost flat land. Natural hillock, adds on the ambience to the site.

Accessibility Easy to access as it is almost a flat land. Difficult for old age and handicapped persons, soEscalators and ramps required.

Socio-economic condition

The socio-economic condition of rural artisans are not improved and not given much priority as the city’s existing is for its scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning rather than its cultural heritage.

Whereas Kolkata city has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. The socio-economic condition of artisans is better as the people are aware of its rich heritage.

Marketing strategy

It is not fully functional and so lacking of basic amenities to the craftsmen marked the entry of private market players.

Lacking of basic amenities like accommodation etc. within the site makes it difficult for the craftsmen.Transportation charges etc.

Built form The built form reflects the local construction style.

Built form bears architectural features of 19th century Bengal.

CONCLUSION: Not just crafts pieces and skill but also the space and location plays an

important role in enhancing the authentic handicrafts of our community. The Urban Haat should be designed keeping in mind the ethnic and cultural

heritage of the area using architecture to create the ambience matching the natural rural Haat at the same time it should meet the contemporary needs.

The Urban Haat should consist of education, training, library, accommodation etc. facilities within the haat. Establishing such centres to impart training, providing market intelligence and establishing linkages.

Locating the traditional haat at prime urban location where where culture, tourism, transition and craft creation flourish together through which both craftsmen and urban consumer are benefited. This contributes to preservation of indigenous handicrafts communities of India.

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