Art & craft are the two inseparable faces of civilization. It represents the Practise, religious beliefs and indicates spiritual upliftment and represents societal system of that Period.This Content mainly focuses on the current standpoint of craftsmen whose immense dedication to the craft is ineffable. The Craft of manufacturing stringed instruments grew along with the civilization of human. Sitar craft has a tempting appeal. Its association with religion and usage in religious ceremonies has given a deeper significance and wide dimension.
Critical Analysis and Current Scenario Of Craft and Craftsmen
Art & craft are the two inseparable faces of civilization. It represents the Practise, religious beliefs and indicates spiritual upliftment and represents societal system of that Period.This Content mainly focuses on the current standpoint of craftsmen whose immense dedication to the craft is ineffable. The Craft of manufacturing stringed instruments grew along with the civilization of human. Sitar craft has a tempting appeal. Its association with religion and usage in religious ceremonies has given a deeper significance and wide dimension.
Artisan background and Financial Condition
He is Mr Sujay Halder (46 years). He is a native of Dadpur village. He is 8th passed and having Prominent skills in engraving cellulite paper design. He is been doing this Since he was 12 years then. His Monthly income varies and depends on Number of sitars engraved by cellulite Paper. For one engraved Star he is getting Rs 130 approx. He is a DIC cardholder.
He is Mr Tapan Kayal (49 years). He is also a native of Dadpur Village. His educational qualification is up to 9th Standard. He is efficient in making Sitar body parts. He has got 30 years of experience. His salary also varies and depends on the number of sitar body parts has been completed in a month. Apart from craftsmen, he has also engaged in farming. For one complete sitar body parts, he is earning Rs 150 – 180. He is also a DIC cardholder.
He is Mr Uday Halder (46 years). He was born in Uluberia and brought to Dadpur Village by his father. He is an expert in making floral Designs on Sitar. He has passed his Higher Secondary from Dadpur High School in the year 1991 then. He is earning Rs 150 for every complete floral design. He is doing farming for his secondary source of livelihood.
The Man in the frame is Mr Sukanta Halder (32 years). He is a native of Dadpur village. His educational qualification is 10th standard passed. He is an expert in fixing the sitar strings, Examining the tune and raga. Apart he deals with the export of Sitar to all over India (especially Varanasi, Lucknow and Kolkata). He has to have his own workshop where other Craftsmen work.
Suggestions
After interacting with a large number of craftsmen, and intensive survey there are certain problems that have to be discussed;
• They are not capable of creating new design motif, so ultimately repetition happens causing monotones.
• They lack product diversification and variation that will be at today’s Global challenge.
• They are poorly unaware of today’s modern technology resulting in time exploitation and labour.
Current Scenario Of Craft
Several Craftsmen Explicitly talks about the Present Standpoint Of craft. In addition to an already Serious dearth of skilled laborer in this line of work, according to them, they suffer a serious Poverty of appreciation as well. They Recount How Late Shri Tarapada Halder gave them the theoretical understanding of the craft. They also mention how things have changed in the last three to four decades Since Tarapada Halder used to Design the instrument. They also explain why their son/daughter does not want to join this tradition which is so teeming with uncertainty and hardships. Even a few of the Craftsmen has been doing this job for almost forty years to Solely to earn their livelihood. having no any Special attachment to music.
Collection and Application of Lacquer