Dying Indian Crafts:
Preserving Our Artistic
Heritage
“When a crafts dies, a piece
of India‘s soul fades away
preserving them is
preserving
Our culture lives through the
hands of artisans; saving crafts
today means securing heritage for
tomorrow
Introduction: The Fading Echoes of Traditional
Craftsmanship
India's rich cultural tapestry is woven with countless traditional crafts, passed down through generations. However,
many of these art forms are now on the verge of extinction, their echoes fading amidst modern advancements. This
presentation delves into two such invaluable crafts: Kondapalli Toys from Andhra Pradesh and Sarthebari Bell Metal
from Assam, exploring their artistry, challenges, and the urgent need for their preservation.
Kondapalli Toys: A Legacy
from Andhra Pradesh
Kondapalli toys, hailing from the village of Kondapalli in Andhra
Pradesh, are renowned for their lightweight wood (Tella Poniki) and
vibrant colours. These toys often depict rural life, mythological
figures, and animals, reflecting the socio-cultural fabric of the
region. Each toy is a miniature masterpiece, telling a story through
its intricate details and expressive forms.
Kondapalli toys, hailing from the village of in
Andhra Pradesh
1 Carving & Shaping 2 Lacquering 3 Finishing Touches
Artisans meticulously carve Vegetable dyes and natural The toys are then assembled,
Tella Poniki wood, known for colours are painstakingly and intricate details are
its light weight and soft applied to the carved wooden added by hand using fine
texture, into desired shapes pieces, followed by a coat of brushes. The expressive faces
using specialized chisels and lacquer. This traditional and elaborate attire of the
knives. This initial stage process not only imparts figures are a testament to the
requires immense precision vibrant hues but also provides artisans' skill and attention to
and artistic vision. a protective layer, enhancing detail.
durability.
The Decline of Kondapalli Toys: A Confluence
of Challenges
Competition from Lack of Raw Decreased Limited Market
Mass-Produced Toys Materials Patronage Access
The dwindling supply of Changing consumer Artisans often struggle
The influx of cheaper, Tella Poniki wood, the preferences and a with inadequate
machine-made plastic primary raw material, decline in awareness marketing and
toys has severely poses a significant threat among younger distribution channels,
impacted the demand for to the craft. Sourcing generations have led to making it difficult to
handcrafted Kondapalli quality wood has reduced patronage for reach wider audiences
toys, making them less become increasingly these traditional toys. and fair prices for their
competitive in the difficult and expensive. exquisite creations.
market.
Sarthebari Bell Metal
Craft: Assam's Enduring
Legacy
The Sarthebari Bell Metal craft, from the Sarthebari region of
Assam, is a centuries-old tradition renowned for its exquisite
utensils and ritualistic items. Made from a unique alloy of copper
and tin, these products are known for their durability, resonant
sound, and intricate designs, deeply embedded in Assamese
culture and daily life.
Sarthebari Bell Metal: Mastery of Molten
Metal
Melting & Alloying Hammering & Shaping Finishing & Polishing
The process begins with melting The molten metal is poured into The items undergo meticulous
copper and tin in a specific ratio to moulds and, once cooled, scraping, filing, and polishing to
create the bell metal alloy, tirelessly hammered by hand into achieve a smooth surface and
requiring precise temperature the desired shapes. This laborious lustrous finish. Intricate designs
control and expertise. process gives the products their are often etched onto the surface,
unique strength and form. showcasing the artisans' detailed
craftsmanship.
Why Sarthebari Bell Metal is Fading:
Economic & Market Pressures
High Production Costs Changing Lifestyles Lack of Apprenticeship
The labour-intensive nature and Modern households increasingly Younger generations are
rising cost of raw materials prefer cheaper, lighter, and hesitant to join this arduous
make bell metal products easier-to-maintain alternatives profession due to low returns
expensive, pricing them out of like stainless steel and ceramic, and the physically demanding
reach for many consumers. reducing the demand for nature of the work, leading to a
traditional bell metal utensils. shortage of skilled artisans.
Preserving Our Heritage:
Calls for Action
• Promote and market these crafts through e-commerce platforms
and craft fairs.
• Implement government schemes for artisan welfare, including
financial aid and training programmes.
• Introduce these crafts into school curricula to foster
appreciation from a young age.
• Encourage innovation in designs to appeal to contemporary
tastes while retaining traditional essence.
• Support sustainable sourcing of raw materials for continued
production.
Bibliography & Acknowledgements
This presentation draws upon research from various sources including:
• Handicrafts of India: A comprehensive study by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• Academic journals and cultural studies focusing on traditional Indian crafts.
• Interviews and insights from local artisans and community leaders in Kondapalli and Sarthebari.
• Online archives and cultural portals dedicated to Indian heritage.
Special thanks to the artisans for their unwavering dedication and for keeping these precious traditions alive.
CONCLUSION
India’s traditional crafts are not just objects of beauty; they are living testaments to our culture, history, and identity. Unfortunately,
changing lifestyles, lack of market access, and diminishing interest among younger generations have pushed many of these crafts to
the brink of extinction. If these art forms disappear, we lose a significant part of our heritage forever.
It is our collective responsibility to revive and sustain these crafts through awareness, education, and support for artisans. Initiatives
such as promoting handicrafts in global markets, introducing craft education in schools, and encouraging eco-friendly handmade
products can breathe new life into this sector.
Preserving these crafts is not just about saving traditions; it is about honoring the creativity and skill passed down through generations.
Let us join hands to protect this priceless artistic heritage so that the soul of India continues to shine for the world and for future
generations.
