'Craftsmanship dying in India'

New Delhi, July 1: The fine art of Indian craftsmanship may have found a home in the White House during the Clinton regime but the creators of the centuries-old art find no takers in their own land.

An exhibition to showcase the skills of these impoverished and unsung craftsmen was held at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium here last week where exquisite pieces of handicraft, resonating with history and ancient expertise, from all parts of the country were on display.

A wide range of products from sandalwood and marble statues of Gods and Goddesses, embellished silver items, mats, carpets, vases, furniture and glass artefacts not only caught the visitors' eyes due to their aesthetic beauty but because the entire creation process was carried out by the craftsmen manually.

The artists also exhibited the whole process of crafting and printing that went into the making of the beautiful creations.

Finely woven carpets from Kashmir, Banarasi silk from Varanasi, Kanjeevaram sarees from the South and marble products from Rajasthan -- all told the tale of an ancient art, passed down over the years.

The secular aspect of the art of this multi-cultural and pluralistic country was conspicuous as the artefacts found inspiration in all religions.

So while a huge Ganesha statue was resplendent in its larger than life depiction, a miniature of Jesus Christ had an equal appeal.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha.

Ironically, while the handicrafts, embellished with intricate designs and motiffs, have captured the imagination of the entire world, with 'Go ethnic ' being the mantra of the West, the art is dying in the land of its birth and the condition of the artists is abysmal, the organisers said.

The handicrafts may command a staggering price in the markets, both domestic and international, but their creators have to settle for a pittance. With no access to buyers abroad, the craftsmen are often duped or deprived of their rightful share of the sale price.

They emphasised the need for the government at all levels to organise such exhibitions and preserve the dying legacy of Indian craftsmanship for the generations to come.

UNI