Sacredness Of Artisanal Work In India

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Sacredness Of Artisanal Work In India
Chaitanya Kumari Writes informational articles on
ancient Indian artisan vocational education, 64
kala or chausat kala, along with others articles
on finance, health, sanathana dharma and wisdom.
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Traditionally, all forms of artisanal work in
India were considered as art, and artisans were
treated with the utmost respect. The number of
crafts and arts in India is well over 3000 all
the artworks testify to the exceptional skills of
Indian artisans. Every zone of India has a
craft/art that is unique to it. In all artisanal
families, the abilities and skills are
transferred to subsequent generations. As a
result, there were closely-knit artisan
communities where the members complemented each
other in creating excellent works of art. Here,
the salient aspect is that, historically,
artisanal work has been rated as a sacred one in
India. The artisans also approached their job by
treating it as a way of expressing their devotion
to God. Let us now succinctly focus on some
important, related aspects.
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• The artisans in India of that era never thought
  that their craft was only a source of livelihood
  for them. These skilled people strongly believed
  that the work that they do has a spiritual angle
  to it. It is something that takes them closer to
  God.
• In ancient India, artisans used to design various
  kinds of items for different purposes. On one
  hand, they would make utility items that are
  required for everyday life. In the same way, they
  created objects for various rites and rituals
  pertaining to both happy and sad occasions.
  Weddings, childbirth, initiation, and death are a
  few occasions where many rituals are performed.
• The craftspeople would make suitable items with
  total devotion, understanding the significance of
  the occasion. This again reflects the sacredness
  of artisanal work in age-old India. People who o
  ahead and buy the artworks of these talented
  artisans display reverence towards the sanctity
  of artisanal work.
• The Indian artisans designed varied objects
  making use of only their hands they were fully
  knowledgeable about the properties of all the
  materials used. The topmost dedication with which
  they created items subtly conveys that this work
  was worshiped for them. This contributes to the
  sacredness of this activity.

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• When a skilled expert toils to that extent
  depending just on their hands, their abilities
  and experience become esteemed. And that is
  exactly what these artisans got from people
  respect.
• The artisanal activities in ancient India
  included carvings developed from metal and stone,
  pottery, textile works, painting, jewelry work,
  and block printing. These artisans made sure that
  the objects made by them mirrored the vast
  cultural heritage of India. As the pieces of art
  represent diverse traditions and cultures, it is
  logical that the work involved in making them is
  considered holy.
• In the pre-colonial phase, the crafts and arts of
  India were renowned throughout the world. The
  artworks were exported to diverse regions of the
  globe in that era, India gained recognition as
  the leading exporter. This was primarily
  attributable to the fact that, for the Indian
  craftspeople, their work was not just a
  profession. It was an activity that made them
  experience spiritual fulfillment.

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• As per Hindu scriptures, the thunderbolt used as
  a weapon by Lord Indra was made by Tvasta, who is
  known as a divine artisan. The Puranas add that
  gods are responsible for bringing into existence
  various aspects of the world. Yet, the gods
  themselves depended on the craft skills of
  Tvasta. This highlights how important the
  position of artisans was in ancient Indian
  society.

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