Socioeconomic and educational perspectives of female beedi workers in the district of murshidabad

Abstract

In terms of domestic industry, the Murshidabad district has a long history. Rural-based home industries and crafts were valued by both Hindu monarchs and Nawbabs throughout the ancient times. As the former capital of Bengal, the area benefited from favourable trading conditions, strong canal connectivity, and plentiful labour. Murshidabad became known for ivory and sandal wood crafts, Shola pith, Silk sarees, Jute, Shell (Sankha), Bell-metal, and brass kitchenware as a consequence. The silk from Murshidabad was so well-known that it was sold to many nations. However, the district s lustre has faded. Ivory labour has been banned, and other well-known home and cottage businesses are nearing the end of their lives. Instead, the beedi industry has thrived in this area over the past three decades, centred in the Jangipur Sub-Division. The Beedi Industry has grown in popularity as a result of the loss of agricultural land owing to Ganga erosion and the Farakka barrage feeder canal, as well as the cheap availability of labour and low skill requirements. newline