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Crafts
are an integral part of life in India, despite the rapid technological
and social changes that are taking place. In the West, special artists
create craft objects and they are considered to be 'luxury' items, but
in India (like many other developing countries) it is the main source
of employment for a large number of the population, second only to
agriculture.
Despite
the growth of the handicrafts industry in India, the average earnings
of the artisan is very low when compared to other industries. This is
the reason that the younger generation is moving to other fields. The
average age of many master craftsmen is around 50 years old. The
improvements in education and lifestyle of the middle-classes in India
have contributed to the loss of traditional native crafts. The market
has been flooded with cheap plastic items and synthetic materials. peepultree is assisting craftsmen to
find markets and benefit from the rewards of fair trade with the West.
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