Role of FabIndia in the revival of handmade durries

Abstract

The revival of a people s cultural heritage is the development of their crafts and the inherent skills that are handed down through generations. The Panja durrie is one such significant craft that was recognized, boosted, earned appreciation abroad and generous revenue as an export product. newlineThe researcher has used primary and secondary data sources to capture the genesis of the durrie making, its special attributes as a popular product with Fabindia stores from the sixties to date. The decline of the crafts popularity as a major income resource from the viewpoint of the exporter, manufacturer and weaver alike raised the alarm for incisive research into the causes of the decline and the means to bring about a revival of the Panja durrie in the major centres and among the rural women of Punjab and Haryana in particular. An interventionist approach was adopted by the researcher to ensure the views of all stakeholders on what was the major input required and the kind of government support necessary to bring about a resurrection of the Panja durrie to its pristine glory. The researcher has prepared a detailed Colour Palette and Design Compendium that could prove an effective tool for the training and skill building of the artisans and initiate a community based smoothly running enterprise at the household level or village level. newlineThe methodology used was that of empirical research with the help of two sets of questionnaire, one providing the inputs of the grassroots levels and the other used for exit interviews with customers purchasing durries from listed Fabindia outlets in Northern India. Consent of the interviewees was taken after explaining to the respondents, the purpose and requirement for their views on the subject.