PM’s #VocalForLocal pitch fails to inspirit Chikri artisans

JAMMU: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Indian citizens to get vocal for local, especially in terms of manufacturing, Rajouri-based Chikri artisans, rather than brimming with hope, were found seething.
“The age-old Chikri woodcraft was already perishing. COVID19 lockdown catapulted it into grave crisis, battering both production and demand. I doubt if PM Modi’s push for ‘Make In India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ will help us or the art form,” says Umar, a Chikri artisan.
He lives in Najaar Mohalla, situated close to Shahdara Sharief, in Rajouri district of Jammu division, which is home to approximately thirty families engaged in the exquisite Chikri woodcraft.
“We are without work for over six months now. Even if we want to work instead of whiling away time, we don’t have the raw material – Chikri (Himalayan Boxwood). The future looks dark,” quivers Mohammad Adrees, another artisan of this cottage industry.
Umar’s father, a Master retired from the Handicrafts Department, Government of J&K, has made inventory amounting to Rs 60-70 Thousand from wood other than Chikri. Sans buyers, it is lying at home.
“He didn’t want to sit idle during the lockdown. He hand-crafted items from whatever supply we had,” he says, worrying when will the items be sold and fetch him some money.
The lore says that seven generations ago, Umar’s great grandfather had a dream, asking him to embellish the old peer baba shrine. So, the family walked all the way from Kashmir to Rajouri via Lahore to obey the ‘command’, and eventually settled here.
Then easily available Chikri on the southern slopes of Pir Panjal had helped develop the art form, while Mughal and Dogra patronage helped it bloom. Thana Mandi became the center of Chikri woodcraft.
“Chikri wood is smooth, and straight, making it perfect to cut and carve. Its ivory colour, pine-tone and natural lacquer add charm to the inventory, which is aesthetic and durable,” tells Adrees.
He names some of the sundry items produced from Chikri for use and décor - Agarbatti (incense stick) stand, cutlery (spoons, forks, knives),chakla belan (rolling board and pin), nameplates, toys, combs, baby walkers, showpieces, souvenirs, customized idols/statues, and so on.
“Double-sided Chikri comb has been the most popular one and is in use since ages in Jammu and Kashmir. The comb, rectangular in shape, has extremely fine teeth, and exhibits intricate mesh work or floral motifs in the center. Sometimes it is adorned with coloured foil,” says Umer as he shows a couple of combs he has made.
These artisans produce the famed Chikri ‘Oil Comb’, which when filled with hair oil ensures uniform oiling of the scalp. A variety of this comb also has space for storing surma (kohl), and Chikri wood helps keep it cool.
The products have been on display at various exhibitions, fairs and festivals, including the Police Mela in Srinagar. The artisans tell that visitors at Surajkund Mela admired Chikri items and a great many were sold within a week.
“The times have changed. Now we make Chikri items only when we receive order. The reasons are many. The Chikri trees are Forest Department’s dominion, and the wood is available to us in limited supply and at exorbitant rates. Number of craftsperson dedicated to pursue the craft has reduced. Then, people of J&K no longer seem to be fond of these items as in the past. Awareness regarding the art form is very limited. Plastic and other items have made inroads into the market. Government, particularly the concerned department, has not been comforting in all these years,” reveals Umer.
As such, the artisans have been forced to use other timber and machines to make inventory. Also, they began to import readymade items from places like Saharanpur to be able to register sale of items from their shops at Shahdara Sharief Bus Stand, if at all there is a demand.
Umer recalls that his mother’s maternal uncle had hand-made a fish out of chikri, some 25 years ago, and that he was amazed to see it when someone from Handicrafts Department gave it to him. “Such fine craftsmanship is rare these days. I have preserved it as a nishani (symbol) of the artistry,” he says.
“Our elders have passed on the skills to us. We know wood work and we can do wood work, only. It is our virasat (heritage). We are still trying to hold on to it. There are people who come from distant places to buy the authentic Chikri items. But the persistent threat to economic viability to the art and the grim reality we have been faced with during the lockdown might force next generations to abandon it,” rued Adrees’ younger brother, also an artisan.
When suggested about promoting and selling their products online on their own, they said they can give it a try.
“We understand that if people get to see the products, then only they’ll consider buying. But digital literacy is a concern for us.”
Meanwhile, Vikas Gupta, Director Handicrafts & Handlooms, Jammu says that government is planning to provide financial relief to the artisans hit hard by COVID 19 pandemic, and has sought the details of registered and functional societies of artisans. “We’ll disburse the amount when it reaches us,” he states.
However, uncertainty looms over relief for unorganized sector.
Regarding the participation in virtual craft fairs, he says the artisans, first and foremost, need to have certain licenses and registration codes, including Import-Export Code, to be able to fulfill the eligibility criteria.
“A few artisans have been provided these licenses and registrations, a first for Jammu region. The next step will be their online marketing, e-catalogues, etc. Gradually, we’ll see Jammu region’s participation in virtual craft fairs,” he asserts.
Further, he reveals, “The Department is working towards ‘one district – one art’ scheme, and all the Assistant Directors have been asked to provide details about traditional and famous art/craft of their districts. I’ll probably receive details shortly. It will help us strategize revival of the dwindling arts, overall promotion, and support to the associated workers. “
The Directorate Handicrafts & Handlooms Jammu, which was recently formed with the merger of departments of handicrafts and handlooms into single department and directorates at divisional level, is pro-actively making efforts to get Geographical Indications for various products of Jammu region.
“Being awarded with a GI tag is significant for the art and artisans. Application process for three products is already underway. Chikri woodcraft would be the next,” he assures.