Jharkhand artists seek proper marketing facilities

Bansidharpur Village (Jharkhand), Sep.10 : Making attractive metal jewellery has been the mainstay of people living in Bahragoda block of Jharkhand's Bansidharpur Village for ages.

The artisans here have been making a variety of jewellery items including rings, bangles, necklaces, earrings and many other items for generations. And, each piece of jewellery holds a unique attraction reflecting their special art. For these villagers, this art has been their identity.

There was a time when the local art started losing its importance. The local villagers formed two communities for the uplift of their art. Efforts by local youth paid off, as the art started flourishing in this area.

But now they are faced with the major problem of finding markets for their items. Absence of a proper marketing outlet is proving a major demotivation for these artists.

Atul Rana, one artist, said: "We have formed two committees named as Shilpakaar Committee and Vishwakarma Shilpakaar Committee. We make jewellery of brass, copper, bronze and other things."

These artists complain that they are unable to reach out to the real customers who show wide interest in their products.

The result is that the artists are compelled to live a deplorable life at native places.

Atul Rana, one artist in Bansidharpur Village, said: "There is no permanent market where we can sell our jewellery. We make this jewellery and roam one village to another for selling it. We are living in very harsh condition. If we get fair payment for our work, our life can improve."

The villagers have also been visiting city markets to sell their products.

Karamchand Sahu, a village artist, said: "We sell off this jewellery in Orissa, Bengal and Bihar. But, the income generated by the work is so less that we have to work as labourers to support our families."

Though, the people of Bansidharpur village are trying hard to maintain the art, but they regret the absence of marketing outlets has made their life a struggle.

These artists believe any kind of governmental and non-governmental assistance can bring a sea change in their lives. They have heard that some States have provided outlets for selling the handicrafts. They hope in Jharkhand too the Government will take the initiative. By Girija Shankar Ojha

ANI