"Little drops of water, little grains of sand. Makes the mighty ocean and the pleasant land".
Just like the quote says our country's economy is also made up of tiny droplets - cottage industries and traditional products.
INTRODUCTION :
India is known for its abundance in culture, traditions and morality. These cultures and traditions is not just seen in our teachings but also our products. From the holy Ayurvedic drugs to luxurious silk clothing we have proved to the world that we have it all.
THE DOWNFALL
With the rise of industrial revolution in 18th century, began the downfall of India's traditional goods. The British imposed huge taxes on indigenous goods and the imported British goods paid very less or no tax. Cottage industries were shut down, our wealth was looted leaving Indians with pain and poverty.
REAL UPSURGE ?
Even now after 73 years of independence we still find ourselves running towards MNCs, imported goods and foreign brands for daily needs. This shows that we are still colonized when it comes to economy.
Majority of the working Indian population was and is still engaged in the agriculture sector. Growing crops, fishing, poultry and animal husbandry were among the tasks undertaken by them. They manufactured handicraft items that were losing their charm with the introduction of the industrial goods. The demand for these goods began to decline.
Today, the standards have been raised so high that luxurious goods are not just goods but a way of life. Choosing cool drinks over tender coconut water shows the high standards we have.
TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS HAVE LOST THEIR WAY..
We are so occupied with the idea of western goods that we forgot to have a look at the journey our ancestors have been through. Today we hardly have any little idea about ayurveda, handicrafts or any other traditional practices. Our busy lives have no time left to know the uses of herbs present in our lawn.
The drastic change in lifestyle and economy in the past two decades have manipulated our thought process. We have failed to understand that 'Bhandini' and 'Chikkan' work is as beautiful as denim jeans. So the next time you have to wear a 9 yards saree or dothi do it with a pretty smile on your face. Also in the next festival of our culture like Ganesh Chaturti, use clay murti over the synthetic colors it will not just melt in the water easily but does not cause harm to the environment. This is how sustainable celebration would promote their business and your festival with happiness. Cause this festival itself that reminds that the "human who is made of clay goes back to its descent"
SOME OF THE MOST INDIGENOUS PRODUCTS..
The first idea that comes to our mind about indigenous products of India, is none other than clay pottery, clay pottery of Thiruchigadi of Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu is famous for it. The speciality of it is that only women does this craft with spiritual and ritaulistic subtleness.
There are also Blackstone pottery at Longpi, known as "Royal Pottery" in Manipur. Here, they don't need the wheel to get crafted, it is rather done with the hands and with the help of moulds. They are indeed functional and are polished with local leaves which have some medicinal properties. Do you expect this kind of dedication in those bulky industrialized products ?
If you thought that metal related profession was inclined only to industries then you need to have look at the lost wax metal casters of Ektal, Chattisargh and bell metal artisans of Sarthebari, Assam. You should also not miss the mesmerizing metal mirrors of the Aranumala, Kerala, which have existed from the Vedic period of history.
The greatness of the indigenous products is that they make from pure, organic products. In view of this, let us also admire that Ajrack block printing of Kutch, Gujarat where each piece of fabric is washed 20 times only to put patterns and motifs printed using hand craved wooden blocks. This art was passed down since 3000 year old legacy while most of them have been lost during 2001 earthquake. Yet, that was a natural calamity but what we are doing to our culture is extremely sad.
(You can read more about such indigenous products on painting, grass mats, etc in additional references put below).
THE LITTLE RESPONSE THAT WE GOT
Luckily, government has provided cottage industries, SMEs to promote handicrafts, textile and handlooms with opportunities like Make in India, skill India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat etc. SMEs could also have the good time with Industrial policy revolution (IPR) 1970, 1980 and 1990 which exclusively reserves their products and help promote them in terms of capital and production. All such is a silver lining for our country to progress and gain what it has lost. But that is nothing when we don't come forward ourselves.
WHAT NEXT ?
We must admit that the step to back to indigenous (both the SMEs and the traditional) goods can also cater to the awful situation of unemployment and its vicious cycle.
Now as citizens the responsibility is in our shoulders to shed the age old concept of Indian and International goods and encourage the production of traditional goods. You may or may not be able to manufacture traditional goods but you can buy them. Like the saying goes, "if you can't climb the mountain, cheer for the mountaineers. They may forget the singer but they will not forget the song."
References : https://www.thebetterindia.com/143044/lesser-known-unique-handicrafts-handlooms-india-villages/
Pic Credits : https://www.thebetterindia.com/
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