Derivation of Factors for Measuring Uniqueness of Handicraft, with Specific Reference to Sujani Embroidery of Bihar, a Living Cultural Heritage
摘要
Indian handicrafts are living cultural heritage, a useful, decorative, and unique hand-crafted products. The uniqueness of handicrafts, defines a sense of exclusivity and hence its longevity and market acceptance. Therefore, it is crucial to understand different parameters which makes handicrafts unique, in order to get differentiated from others. Several studies are done on design interventions, challenges faced, promotion/revival, etc., of Indian handicrafts, but hardly any study focuses on unique properties of handicrafts, which in a holistic manner is essential in its upliftment and promotions. Thus, for finding out the factors which makes handicraft unique, Bihar handicraft has been undertaken in this study with reference handicraft as Sujani embroidery of Bihar. In spite of the award of GI Tag, the unique traditional embroidery, made out of waste/discarded fabrics, are languishing, due to multiple reasons, with first being a stiff competition from Kantha of Bengal, Kashida of Kashmir, etc. and low visibility and awareness. Based on Secondary study, Primary study has been conducted through Delphi Method and Survey, with data analysis on SPSS for factor analysis, for development of reliable and validated factors for measuring Uniqueness of Handicrafts. This study would be helpful in identification of Sujani embroidery, for academia and handicraft business, artisans, State & Central Govt., marketers, brands, etc. Thus, the findings are unique for handicraft sector and exclusive in nature to the best of researcher’s knowledge.