SHILPGRAM

INTRODUCTION
India is a country rich and diverse in culture, tradition and handicrafts. Every
region in India has its own and unique culture and tradition. Along with these,
handicrafts have a great influence in Indian history right from the 19th & 20th
century because of its skillful artisan and social reformers. They not just
promote culture and crafts but also the economic regeneration of India.
Handicrafts are handmade products depicting the culture of that region. The
local artisans are the ones who keep this tradition alive through their intricate
works. But it is seen that these crafts are not privileged of large-scale markets.
These small-scale crafts works are oriented as cottage industry.
Cottage industries are small-scale business where products are mainly
handmade and produced from home having the manpower of family members
or limited workers on wages. They produce consumable products at through
their low technology machinery and handwork. These industries or handmade
products are small scale which leads them for less identification. These
industries are mostly located in rural or semi-urban areas. Which is another
reason for getting less remembrance in the society.
These industries not only give employment to the people in rural areas but also
benefits the economy of the country as it has a big contribution towards the
exports and is backbone of rural economy. Cottage industry facing challenges of
unavailability of capital, labour, technology and marketing as it facing
competition from medium and large-scale industry.
These small-scale has skilled artisans who does there intricates designs to show
their culture into their works. These works grab the attention of the tourists
visiting India to know its culture. These tourists contribute in the economy of
India. Therefore, there is a strong connection between the craft market and the
tourism industry.
Development in tourist industry is directly proportional to the up gradation of
the craft industry and it is also one of the modes, which can keep the craft
culture alive.
It is seen that tourists travel around the world to visit around the regions and
experience the craft culture of that particular region. And also explore the
intricate and skilful works of the talented artisans and to see how this talent
runs in their blood and is passed on from generations. They visit to experience
the craft, culture and tradition. This kind of touristic activity is also termed as
‘Craft Tourism’.
Craft tourism is an attempt of bringing crafts, culture and tourism together for
the development of the country. This is where craft, culture and tourism are
bond together. These tourists not just visit to see the art of the nation but also
the family culture in the particular region.
But nowadays it is mostly seen that the coming generations of these artisans are
losing their interest towards the age-old family business of art & crafts making
and lead towards the high-class jobs and lifestyle of the cities which may create
a loophole for not just small-scale business but also the tourism and economy of
country. People living in cities may not know much about the culture and crafts
of India due to their busy lifestyle.
This is an attempt to bring craft, culture and tourism together benefitting the
local artisans for which government has implemented many schemes and
brought up the concept of “SHILPGRAM”.
The name ‘Shilpgram’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Shilp’, meaning art or
craft and ‘gram’ which means village.
Shilpgram museum is not just a museum but also an interactive cultural centre
where visitors can participate in various workshops & activities related to
traditional art & crafts. Also, cultural festival and events are organised at the
‘Shilpgram’.
It is not just a museum to showcase traditional crafts but also along with that it
showcases the traditional music, dance and theatre performances by local artist.
It also has specific traditional cuisine and souvenir shops that sell local
handmade products.
Shilpgram museum is a tourist attraction and a significant contributor to the
local economy. This acts as a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills
and sell their products. This leads in promoting and sustaining traditional crafts
of the particular region.
Such shilpgram museum also provides employment for local people such as
guides, performer & restaurant staff.
Shilpgram museum is a unique cultural institution showcasing traditional art,
crafts and folk performance.
AIM
To bring awareness about the local art & crafts along with benefitting the
tourism sector.

OBJECTIVES
▪ To create awareness about local artisans and their crafts.
▪ To give identification to cottage & handloom industries.
▪ To strengthen the ‘Craft Tourism’.
▪ To find the loopholes in this sector.

BACKGROUND STUDY
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Indian handicrafts have a rich and diverse history right back from thousands of
years. From intricate sculptures and textiles to ornate jewellery and everyday
household objects, these handmade products are a testament to the country’s
cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity.
Ancient history
There are many archaeologist evidences that shows that the art if
handicrafts is age old in India and is practised for thousands of years. Some
earliest handicrafts include sculptures and cravings made stone and metal, as
well as textiles and pottery. These handicrafts were created for everyday
purpose, religious and ceremonial works reflecting importance of handicrafts in
Indian society.
Pre historic era (8000 BCE- 600 BCE) Ancient era (600 BCE- 1200 CE)
▪ Pottery ▪ Intricate sculptures
▪ Textile ▪ Cravings
▪ Sculpture ▪ Textile
▪ Pottery
Material- stone & metal People use to show their daily activities
& religion through their works.
Medieval era (1200 CE- 1600 CE) Mughal era (1600 CE- 1700 CE)
Production of- Elegance & sophistication
▪ Textile New styles & techniques including-
▪ Jewellery ▪ Precious gems
▪ Metalwork ▪ Enamel work
▪ Gold & silver filigree.

Medieval & Mughal era

During Mughal era, Indian handicrafts reached new level of elegance and
sophistication. Craftsmen produced intricate textile, jewellery and metalwork
that were sought after by wealthy patrons and traders from around the world.
These eras also saw the development of new styles and techniques, including
the use of precious gems, enamel work, and gold and silver filigree.
British colonial era (1700 CE- 1947 CE)
India had a great impact of British colonial arrival in the 18th century.
British introduced the materials such as cotton and silk, and new techniques
such as use of machines to mass-produced goods.
As a result, these changes brought new opportunities for crafts people but also
threatened to undermine traditional technical and styles.

Post independence (1947 CE- present)

After the independence in 1947, the government took steps to promote
the country’s handicrafts. Which included setting up training programs,
promoting exports and establishing markets for handicrafts both domestically
and abroad.
Today, Indian handicrafts are widely recognized and appreciated around the
world, and they continue to play an important role in the country’s cultural and
economic life.

Why are Indian handicrafts famous

Indian handicrafts are famous for their intricate designs, unique beauty
and best quality. These handicrafts are made by skilled craftsmen who have
learned this skill from generations to generations. The rich tradition and cultural
history of India has resulted in a wide range of styles and techniques that are
truly one of kind.
Indian has beauty and quality in their handicrafts which also has cultural
heritage and traditional significance. These products reflect the country’s rich
history and is used in everyday life, religious and ceremonial events.

History of Shilpgram
Shilpgram was inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. It was established
for the promotion and preservation of Indian Art & Culture and providing
platform to the talented artisans.

LITERATURE STUDY
For the development of handicraft sector, government is implementing
many schemes for providing support on design, technology upgradation,
infrastructure development and development of market.
These include-
▪ Amended technology upgradation funds scheme (ATUFS)
▪ Powertex India scheme
▪ National handloom development programme
▪ Scheme for integrated textile parks
▪ Samarth- scheme for capacity building in textile sector
▪ Silk SAMAGRA- integrated silk development scheme
▪ North eastern region textile promotion scheme (NERTPS)
▪ The national handicraft development programme (NHDP)
▪ The comprehensive handicrafts cluster development scheme (CHCDS)
REFERENCES
https://authindia.com/the-history-of-indian-handicrafts-from-ancient-times-to-
the-present-day/
https://www.culturenorthindia.com/theatre-rejuvenation-
scheme/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1578542#:~:text=For%
20the%20development%20of%20the,development%2C%20research%20and%2
0development%2C%20market