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The Undeserved Poverty Of Indian Artisans

 During my board exams, there was a gap of three days after one exam. There happened to be a fair in my city. My parents decided to take me to it. Over there I saw some of the most beautiful and intricate metal work, glass work, waxwork, handicrafts, sarees, and artworks I had ever seen. While it is good that the government is organising such fairs to empower artists, I couldn't help but wonder why these artists had to lead a lifestyle the way they did. I think it is general knowledge that usually even the richer artisans are lower middle class at best.

                                            The 'starving artist' stereotype is widespread. However the Indian artisans are different from the lone, starving western artist. The artisan's work is very often being done for generations, as is the tradition of India.It carries folk and mythological stories within its spirit, and it carries great cultural significance. One might think that they are just clothes and showpieces, but within them they carry the beauty and history of India. Wether it is Worli art, Chikan embroidery, Rogan art, Kashmiri carpets, or any other art, they all deserve to be preserved and encouraged. 

                                                                                                                      I hope one day our society can change enough so that an artisan is a good career, and these arts' beauty is recognized worldwide. Instead of generational artists leaving their family careers for other professions, we also witness people independently choosing Indian art as their careers.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 14, 2023 at 1:48 AM

    Only true people can appreciate/value a gem,,, it's not everyone's cup of tea dear 🙂

    ReplyDelete

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