The role of ethno-cultural values of Terracotta craft in promoting socio-economic status of Kumbhakar artisans: A micro level study of Panchmura village in Bankura, West Bengal.

Abstract:

The terracotta pottery items of Panchmura village of Bankura are popular in India as well as in global market. The terracotta horse bears symbolic value of local ethnic culture and becomes an international repute. Though the terracotta horse and elephants are possesses its default market in national and international domain but still other pottery items need to be improve its design and appeal to cope up the customized need in order to achieve overall a new height. In the present study thrust is given on folk and cultural potentialities of age old terracotta craft and its impact on living standards of Kumbhakar artisans. In addition a briefing of socio-economic status and crisis of Kumbhakar artisans of Panchmura village are analyzed in present context. It also suggests some recommendation to overcome various issues. This research study is based on primary as well as secondary database. A village level primary survey was conducted during the month of April and May, 2024, consisting 50 sample respondents chosen through random sampling technique. The study outcome revealed that the situation of artisans was worrying as they were faint due to lack of corpus, illiteracy, financial insecurity, poor earning, inadequate government support and health issues.