Trial, Tribulations and Peril in the Whims of Global Businesses and Policy:Heritage and Loss of Indigenous Knowledge among the Carpet Weavers of Rajasansi, Punjab

When artefacts fall in disuse they are discarded and gotten rid of. Sometimes they are said to have gone out of fashion. At other times, the skill-set is lost to posterity. The current study examines some of the poignant reasons for the gradual decline of the famous Oriental carpets of Punjab. There have been several global changes that have impacted severely upon the economies of the world. The markets which were earlier dictated to by the goods and supplies provided to them by producers and manufacturers had done a volte face. They were, in turn, taking command and giving their dictate on what would and would not sell in the world markets. Several new thought processes have also made their impact, especially in terms of the awakened global concern for the environment which gets translated into strictures on what can and cannot be used in the making of a product. What could be the reasons for a thriving art form, which was in great demand all over the world, to suddenly face a dead end? What ails the carpet-weaving industry of Punjab and what are some of the mam reasons for it to be gradually relegated to the backseat? What are the lessons to be learnt here if any? Can there be any window of opportunity in these changed circumstances? Would there be any policy implications that could help ameliorate the lot of the craftsmen. Is there scope for the revival and propagation of such crafts? The current research paper attempts to investigate and seek answers to some of the queries.