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An important component of non-farm segment is the unorganized sector of workers, especially in the rural  population. A noticeable aspect is the existence of artisans in this informal sector. These artisans comprise blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers (carpets, durries, khesh, sarees, etc.), potters, mutha makers, hand tool makers, farm implement makers, metal wares (silver, brass, copper) makers, sculptrists (wood, metal clay, stone), handicraft makers, etc. These artisans, on one hand, are regarded as custodians of the heritage of India, and on the other, play an important role in the village life through their repairs and maintenance services. This informal sector possesses vast potential for opening-up employment opportunities, generation of rural income, and strengthening of purchasing power of the rural people. A special feature of these artisans is that they live in clusters, some of which are depicted in Table 1.
Table 1: Some Artisan Clusters in the Country
| SI. No.
|
Place
|
State
|
No. of Households
|
|
Potters
|
|
1
|
Nawalgarh
|
Rajasthan
|
200
|
|
2
|
Dundlod
|
Rajasthan
|
50
|
|
3
|
Narola
|
Himanchal Pradesh
|
75
|
|
4
|
Dhulkari
|
Himanchal Pradesh
|
100
|
|
5
|
Kandwa
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
100
|
|
6
|
Khadgaon Kalan
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
75
|
|
7
|
Ranibandh
|
West Bengal
|
150
|
|
8
|
Thozukkal
|
Kerala
|
100
|
|
9
|
Kasharipara
|
Meghalaya
|
250
|
|
Blacksmiths
|
|
10
|
Loharpura
|
Rajasthan
|
500
|
|
11
|
Sample
|
Haryana
|
200
|
|
Carpenters
|
|
12
|
Ladnu
|
Rajasthan
|
150
|
|
13
|
Chhuchhukwas
|
Haryana
|
100
|
Artisan: An artisan (from Italian: artigiano) is a skilled Manual worker who crafts items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, household items, and tools. The term can also be used as an adjective to refer to the craft of hand making food products, such as bread, beverages and cheese.
Manufacture by hand and with hand tools imparts unique and individual qualities to artisanal products, in contrast to mass produced goods where every one is nearly identical. Artisans traditionally work in media such as wood, ceramics, glass, common and precious metals, basketry, textiles, esparto grass, and leather.
Artisan Origins: Artisans were the dominant producers of goods before the Industrial revolution. According to Classical economics theory, the division of labor occurs with internal market development (Adam Smith). However, according to economist John Hicks, merchants and artisans originated as servants to the rulers, which occurred much earlier. Artisans employ creative thinking and manual dexterity to produce their goods.
Medieval Artisans
During the middle Ages the term “artisan” was applied to those who made things or provided services. It did not apply to unskilled laborers. Artisans were divided into two distinct groups: those who operated their own business, and those who did not. Those who owned their business were called masters, while the latter were the journeymen and apprentices. One misunderstanding many people have about this social group is that they picture them as “workers” in the modern sense: employed by someone. The most influential group among the artisans were the masters, the business owners. The owners enjoyed a higher social status in their communities.
Artisan potter
Also Known as a “Studio Potter”, or a “Master Potter”, a skilled person who crafts and fires handmade pottery, made from raw clay. Artisan potters create a wide variety of wares, from functional to purely decorative, or a synergistic culmination of both. An artisan potter often makes objects that reflect their personal esthetic or sense of value. In this sense, they elevate even the simplest piece, such as a raku teacup, to an art-form.
Artisan jewelry
Artisan jewelry dates back as far as 7000 BC, when gold and copper began to be
sculpted to adorn the human form, and the practice continues today. Although rarely price-competitive with machine-made items, artisan handmade jewelry is prized for its uniqueness, variety, and beauty. Reflecting the talents of the artisan onto the wearer, the broad spectrum of artisan jewelry is available to provide satisfaction to royally, rock stars, and “everyday folk”. Thousands of jewelry artisans exist around the globe. Some fine examples of artisan jewelry can be seen at museums.
Quilt Artisans
Quilt-maker artisans are called quilters. These artisans are mostly women who make quilts especially in their houses. Quilt making is traditional folk art worldwide, including south Asia where their traditional quilts are called Raili quilts.
Current Status According to NCEUS
The report of National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized sector (NCEUS) States that 836 million Indians (77% of total population) live on an income less than Rs. 20/day. The irony is that 50% of this huge number constitutes 92% of your workforce (457.5 million), which implies that 422.7 million people work and are supporting dependants with income less than Rs. 20/day without any job security or social security (2007).
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Participants