Market Potential of Traditional Oxen Handicraft Articles of Haryana

The present study was conducted to assess the market potential of traditional textile oxen handicraft articles of Haryana after modifying some selected articles for contemporary use. An exhaustive list of traditional oxen handicraft articles was compiled with the help of elderly rural women. Maximum possible articles were collected from villages. Two articles viz. Bailari and Aather were selected for modification to suit contemporary tastes. Experts were consulted on how to improve these articles to achieve a modern look. Following experts' suggestions, the selected articles were recreated. Bailari was replicated in miniature form for decorative purposes. The distinct applique work of aather was imitated to create stylish cushion covers. The prepared articles were assessed for marketability by 200 respondents including Indian as well as foreign visitors and stall owners/exporters at the International Trade Fair, Delhi. Bailari, with WMS 3.33, was found to have excellent market potential while overall acceptability of cushion cover was found to be good with WMS 2.50.