Shilpgram in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Being one of favorite traveler destination, Sikkim holds an important place in the tourist map of India. Over the past few years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the inflow of both domestic and foreign tourists into the state.The reasons for Sikkim being a very popular tourist destination are many. Indeed, it proves to be quite an attraction to tourists with its rich culture, picturesque beauty and rich bio-diversity. Tourists enjoy the various adventure sports and assortment of events and festivals. Nature lovers are besotted with the calm soothing surroundings characterized by the striking greenery. It has potential for village, religious and eco-tourism.The growth of tourism has been possible because of the peace loving people of Sikkim. In addition to these characteristics of tourism in Sikkim, we can add more colors on it. Recently I have made a visit of Udaipur city in Rajasthan for a conference of Indian Sociological Society on the theme ‘Contemporary Indian Society: Challenges and Responses’. On the occasion, I have visited the entire city. Indeed Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, known for its picturesque lakes, huge palaces, massive forts and artistic temples. It is also called as 'the city of lakes'. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the 'Venice of East'. Moreover when I reached Hawala village, I found ‘Shilpgram’ as an amazing idea of fostering and promoting rural tourism in Rajasthan. Actually Shilpgram consists of two Hindi words ‘Shilp’ and ‘Gram’ in which Shilp means the Craft and Gram means Village. Etymologically it is the artisan’s village or the craft village.

Situated 3 kms west of Udaipur city, Shilpgram is conceived as a living ethnographic museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. Within this complex, huts of the member states are constructed incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the West Zone of India comprising of five Federal States.One of the important objectives of Shilpgram is in the sphere of increasing awareness and knowledge of rural life and crafts, specifically, for the younger generation. Special emphasis is laid on workshops for children on arts, crafts, theatre and music.

The Rural Arts and Crafts Complex - Shilpgram - also provide an opportunity to rural and urban artists to come together and interact through the process of camps and workshops. It is hoped that through intimate observation of different styles and experiences, urban and rural artists would learn from one another and enrich their skills and art forms. The Centre promotes contemporary urban ceramists, potters, designers, visual artists etc. to work with their traditional counterparts in creating works of everyday art which would then be put up for exhibition and sale for visitors. The Center developed two Museums in the Shilpgram where simple objects of day-to-day use, that represent the sense of wonder and aesthetics in rural and tribal life are put on display. In addition, a Crafts Bazar in the fashion of a traditional 'haat' was made where visitors could buy traditional crafts from the Zone. Craftsmen were invited periodically to demonstrate their skills and sell the crafts to the visitors at the Shilpgram.

An attraction no less of the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is the open air Amphitheatre with a seating capacity of approximately 8000. Besides the major theatre festivals which the Centre holds here, it is hoped that this facility would motivate the local community as well as outside visitors to take a keener interest in theatre and the traditional folk performing arts.

Shilpdarshan is a continuing activity at Shilpgram in which traditional performing artists and craftsmen are used to draw from the interior villages of the member states. They are regularly invited to exhibit their skill and to demonstrate their crafts, and sell their masterpieces in order to have direct access to the buyers. This programme has encouraged the rural craftsmen and performers in a big way. The Shilpgram has become an important landmark in India and Government of India has decided to replicate them in all the Federal States of India. In these traditional huts, household articles of everyday use - whether terracotta or textile, wooden or metal, along with decorative objects and implements - agricultural or craftsmen's tools, etc. are featured with appropriate signages and explanatory details. The objective is to give a realistic glimpse of the people and their belongings representing Unity in Diversity and National Integration.

Shilpgram Mela is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur. Shilpgram Crafts Fair is organized to promote art and craft of Rajasthan. Since, Rajasthan has always been famous for its handicrafts and artwork; this fair is a perfect destination to try out the hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts. The hand woven clothes and camel leather items grab the major attention of visitors in this fair. Shilpgram Crafts Mela aids in encouraging the urban potters, visual artists and designers too. The art expertise of artists in Rajasthan acquires an imperative position in the cultural field of Rajasthan. Here, one can have a glimpse of the life style of weavers and local artists that is portrayed through pictures in the stalls. This is actually done to make people aware about the condition of artists. The fair was conceived in the mind with an idea to encourage the cottage industry of Rajasthan. Being a desert land, Rajasthan is deprived of grown agriculture and tourism has been the main source of its income. Keeping this money-making part aside, Rajasthan Government wants to make this rustic art famous on a global level. Through this fair, the local artists get a stage to show their creations not just in front of domestic but the international tourists as well. 

In Sikkim also we have 22 ethnic groups with numerous folk dance and artistic talents. Each and every community has its own specialty. Different communities living in Sikkim have their own handicrafts, folk dances to celebrate their life. Dances like Maruni, Tamang Selo, Sangini, Chyabrung, Zo-Mal-Lok etc have its own charm in our society.  The performing arts like folk dances of Sikkim combine all the components of folk culture, namely folk songs, folk musical instruments, traditional dresses, make up and folk dance. In the wake up of low tourist inflow in Sikkim after Sept 18 earthquakes, why don’t we try this superb model of Shilpgram as an amazing idea of flourishing rural tourism in Sikkim? In this connection I urged Tourism Department to think over this matter and put into practice the concept inevitably.