UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly talk about the crafts of Uttar Pradesh. Discuss the various crafts of Uttar Pradesh. Mention those crafts which received GI tags in Uttar Pradesh. Highlight the challenges faced by craftsmen. Conclude by enumerating government initiatives.

Introduction

Uttar Pradesh is known for its ancient and diverse crafts. These were majorly seen in the ancient and medieval period when artisans organised themselves into guilds known as Shreni during the Gupta period. The present contribution of handicrafts to the state’s economy is significant. Handicraft exports from Uttar Pradesh contribute 44% to the total handicraft exports from the country.

Body

Crafts of Uttar Pradesh:

• Embroidery crafts:
  • Zardozi: It is known for silver and gold embroidery, where the embroidery is done in three dimensions. This style was brought to India by the Afghan invaders in the 12th century. It is majorly practiced in Varanasi, Agra, Rampur, Lucknow, Farrukhabad and Bareilly regions of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Chikankari: It owes its origin to Nur Jahan. It entails delicate and traditional hand embroidery practiced in Lucknow. Traditionally, this embroidery was done with white thread on cotton or muslin.
  • Banarasi Brocade: Its existence can be traced back to the Rig Vedic period which also had fabric of gold known as ‘Hiranya vastra’. Brocade refers to the sophisticated fabrics which are eloquently decorated and generally worn by the rich and aristocratic class.
• Glassware: Glassware was patronised by the Mughals and used for the decoration of monuments like sheesh-mahal. Glass crafts are very famous in Firozabad (city of bangles).
• Metal and Brassware: Moradabad and Mathura are the major centre of this craft. UP is the largest brass and copper utensil producing state in India. The ritual articles are made largely of brass or copper. Khudai and Nakashi are metalworks done on metal and brassware.
• Carpet weaving: Carpet weavers uses the exotic designs of flora and fauna, Taj Mahal, Ketharicuala Jal, Jamabaz, Kandhari, etc. This came into being during the reign of the Mughals. Major centres include Mirzapur, Agra, and Bhadohi.
• Hand printing: It is popularly practiced in Lucknow, Banaras and Farrukhabad. It is majorly restricted to traditional patterns and prints like butis (polka dots).

Crafts with Geographical Indication (GI) tags in Uttar Pradesh:

Some of the crafts with GI tags in UP are Lucknow Chikankari Craft, Banaras Brocades and Sarees, Handmade Carpets of Bhadohi, Agra Durries, Farrukhabad prints, Lucknow Zardozi, Firozabad Glassware, Banaras Hand Block Print, Moradabad Metal Crafts, Saharanpur Woodcraft, Gorakhpur Terracotta etc.

Challenges faced by the crafts sector:

• Craftsmen are highly underpaid as the middlemen pay less.
• Low standards of living and work associated medical issues.
• Unavailability of any vocational training or skill enhancement training.
• Lack of social security to artisans.

Conclusion

The government in partnership with the private sector should encourage integrated enterprise development by providing support services such as local centres for skill training, product adaptation, vocational training and entrepreneurship development. The initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP), first Handicraft Park in Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority are the steps in the right direction.