By Jasmeen Kaur Dugal
The beauty and cultural wisdom of ancient craftsmanship is on the verge of extinction. Skilled weavers and craftsmen risk losing their legacy as their children choose more lucrative careers. This, and the growth of mechanised production, have wreaked havoc on craft-based businesses. Those that have survived are small, family-run businesses lacking financial resources or business acumen to create business models. Just when despair was setting in about survival of heritage craftsmanship in the modern world, Rajasthan Heritage Week - spearheaded by Prasad Bidapa Associates in association with Khadi Board and Government of Rajasthan - was launched with a view to sustain and reinterpret handwoven textile crafts with modern design. The larger picture? Showcasing heritage fabrics as the highest form of luxury, coupled with a modern fit. JASMEEN KAUR DUGAL shares her experience and perception of Rajasthan Heritage Week.
Photos Courtesy of Rajasthan Heritage Week
Rohit Kamra