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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM44218
Volume:
9 |
4 |
Apr 2025
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Lifelong Learning & Extension
University of North Bengal
Lifelong Learning & Extension
University of North Bengal
Lifelong Learning & Extension
University of North Bengal
Pottery has long been an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage, play a crucial role in both economic sustenance and artistic expression. The Darjeeling District of North Bengal, renowned for its scenic beauty and unique ethnic diversity, houses a community of potters whose craft has been passed down through generations. This study explores the current status, challenges, and potential for the growth of pottery in this region. Through an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of potters, market accessibility, evolving consumer preferences, and the impact of technological advancements, this study attempted to gauge the future scope of pottery in Darjeeling. This study reveals that while pottery continues to hold cultural significance, it faces threats from industrialization, declining interest among the younger generation, and insufficient government support. However, there is potential for revival and expansion through strategic interventions such as improved marketing, technological integration, and sustainable practices. Government schemes, tourism-driven demand, and online marketplaces can act as catalysts to ensure the longevity and prosperity of this traditional craft. This paper concludes with policy recommendations and strategies to empower potters and sustain pottery as a viable livelihood in Darjeeling.
KEYWORDS
Pottery in Darjeeling represents not just an economic activity but also a cultural legacy that needs preservation and promotion. While traditional potters face numerous challenges, the craft holds significant potential for growth through tourism integration, digital marketing, sustainable practices, and policy support. The future of pottery in Darjeeling will depend on a collaborative approach involving artisans, government bodies, and private stakeholders. By embracing modernization while retaining traditional essence, the pottery industry in Darjeeling can carve a sustainable and prosperous path forward. The findings of this research underscore the multifaceted challenges facing the pottery industry in Darjeeling. The study reveals that the industry's decentralized and unstructured nature, coupled with the influx of mechanized and electronic alternatives, has presented significant obstacles to the livelihoods of traditional artisans. Further exacerbating the situation is the limited access to raw materials, finance, and market channels, a common predicament faced by handicraft artisans across India. The research also highlights the persistent gaps between the government's well-intentioned initiatives and their tangible impact on the ground, underscoring the need for more targeted and holistic policy interventions.
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Publication Date
4/28/2025
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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