INDIAN HANDICRAFTS

INDIAN HANDICRAFTS



(Recently I visited my village in connection with Rathothsava (Chariot) festival. I saw the decorations made on the car (Ratham) New colorful cloth hanging – 15 to 20 feet high on all four sides (Thombai), domes made with well designed Hindu religious motifs in bright colors attracted the attention of all. I enquired where these are made. I was astonished to learn that there is one family in Madurai who alone can make this type of works)

Opportunity Unlimited wanted to present the Readers with variety of jobs and ideas that are not fully exploited. One such field is Indian Handicraft. Indian Murals and motifs are 5000 years old- one study points out. Mostly theme for them is our Puranas particularly Ramayanam and Maha Bharatham.

There is plenty of Handicrafts industries in all States of India each State has got its own style and art. Temples are the main encouraging factor for the development of Handicraft industry. Idol making in metal and stones stands unique in our Country. Metal idols from Swamimalai near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu can be found all over the world. Stone idols from Mamallapuram near Chennai can be found in most of the temples in India and have traveled all over the world. Temples also encourage Kumkum; camphor industries, flowers and garlands, Cloths, oil, ghee industries and innumerable products and thousands of people find useful employment.

One Product that attracted me very much is the Cloth hangings ( Thombai) as they are
called- with attractive and colorful motif on it used on the Car of the Car festival. I was surprised to learn that one family who alone makes such hangings for all the temples. He is Mr. Subramanian of Madurai. They make decorated Umbrellas for temple; Hangings studded with Pearls and different colored glass beads.

Subramanian says that his entire family is involved in this business. The secret of making is passed on from generation to generation right from Nayak rules. He says that his forefathers were treated on the same footings like the King’s ministers. They were awarded many titles and prizes for their works.

To make Hangings for the Cars are very delicate affair. There are different sizes of Cars used by Temples. They are not uniform- the height ranging from 20 feet to 50. Hence measurements have to be taken on the spot. Then they draw the designs in paper. Next they cut Silk and Cotton clothes according to the designs. No paint is used and all the designs are made of colored cloths only.

The designed Paper is pasted on the cloth and using the colored threads they stitch the cloth. Designs and Pictures are chose according to the deity of each temple to which these are made. While stitching they use disinfectants on the threads so that moths will not damage the cloth and the life will be longer. It may take 2-3 months to complete the order for one chariot. Apart from Hangings Shamianas for marriage and other festivals, Umbrellas for temples and 5-star hotels- are other products being made by these people.

Similar to the Thombai craft another rare craft is the art of Garland making. At
Madras- Chinthathripet is very famous for this art. Normally flowers like roses; jasmines are used for making garlands. But the lives of these garlands are very short. Innovations are made in garland making. V.I.P garlands are made using sandal wood beads, cardamom and Badam. These garlands will cost from Rs.500 to Rs.5000.

Life size garlands are made for Super Stars in Cinema field and political leaders by their fans. Garlands ordered for marriages are designed with sandal beads and the couple’s name inscribed with beautiful designs. Garlands are made for special occasions. Garland Business is growing very fast and one field where educated people enter.

Analysis:

Cottage Industries are making good progress in India. For dynamic person with
innovative skill – this field is very ideal. There are number of rare items that can be made and there is export potential for such items. Educated class should enter in this field and develop the same using modern technology.

· Thombai craft is ancient.
· Like wise Garland making.
· This field is wide open.