India is a land where every corner is evident with the greatness of art andcraft. The traditional quintessence of Indian art and craft can be seen even inthe daily used objects like earthen pot, mugs, bed-sheets or any such things.The objects are created with a great creativity that portrays magnificent workof art. That is what Indian art and craft industry is!


Indian art and craft is an old saga. Although, the presentstate of the industry is flourishing with a touch of contemporary designs andpatterns but it is deeply entrenched with the rich craft customs from the past.The uniqueness in the Industry lies in its own way.


Indias richness in art and craft can be seen in every product whethergarments, jewelries or household furnishings. These products are a perfect mixof traditional designs and modern techniques. Due to their diversity in designsand their being utilitarian in nature, they are high in demand. This has givenmany Indian traders to invest in the industry and flaunt Indias custom across the world. Products such as table mats, napkins, bed sheets, lampshades etc are made out astoundingly with the use of natural material, textileprinting, block printing, tie and die, hand printing etc, and are much indemand. Gems and jewelries are other obsession of India. The rising demands ingems and jewelries have transformed Indian craft traditions into a full-grownorganized industry. Garments such as woolen shawls and phirens from Himachal,traditional sarees ranging from Banarsi Amru, Tanchoi, Paithani, Patola, andKancheevaram are the most popular export garments. Indias zardozi and brocadework are highly recognized these days. Other utilitarian craft products likecushions, curtains, bedcovers, sheets, metal furniture, wood furniture, boxes,cabinets, terracotta items, utensils, garden pots, papier-mch products, brassand silverware, carpets, rugs and durries from Kashmir, jute and coir items,wood and stone sculptures, traditional paintings, decorative pieces,embellished wooden sculptures, stone and wood carvings, and many more are onthe rise in India as well as in abroad.


Here is the Swot Analysis of the Indian art and craftindustry that gives you more information on the present status of the industry;


Strengths


  • The industry has potential in domestic as well as international markets.
  • It provides wide variety in each product and exhibit diversified culture of India.
  • Industry caters to the different market sectors covering handicrafts, textiles and jewelries.
  • Gives potential source of employment
  • It requires low capital investment
  • It is a great source of foreign revenue as it is a huge export industry.


Weakness


  • Industry lacks communication and infrastructure
  • Lack of co-ordination between Indian manufacturers-exporters and Government
  • Inadequate information available on new technology
  • Industry is still confined to rural areas of the nation
  • No promotional support is given to the sector


Opportunities


  • Emerging demands of Indian crafts across overseas
  • Development of retail sectors and changing lifestyles offer huge requirements of such products
  • Rise in the industry is due to development in tourism
  • Internet has emerged as a mean to develop its market network


Threats


  • Increasing competition in domestic markets
  • Quality products manufacturing by countries like South Africa and China
  • Better trade terms are offering by these countries
  • Competing countries offer better technological support and R&D development facilities
  • Challenge to establish balance between demand and supply of quality products


The reason why Indian art and craft is highly appreciatedand constantly flourishing in domestic and foreign markets are due to itsutilitarian nature and high acceptance among people of India and people across the whole world.



Source: articlebiz.com