In a significant development for rural artisans, the famous wooden dolls of Natungram will now be available in distant Britain. A new duty-free trade agreement between India and the UK is set to bring these unique handicrafts to foreign shores, marking a new chapter for the local cottage industry. This initiative is expected to boost the economic prosperity of the artisans, create new employment opportunities, and earn international recognition for their craft.
Artists in Natungram, located in the Purbasthali 2 block of Purba Bardhaman, are ecstatic about the news. The village is renowned for its woodcarving, where the rhythmic sounds of chisels and hammers are a constant backdrop to daily life. Using various types of wood like Gamari, Shimul, Pituli, Lambu, and Sonajhuri, artisans craft an array of items, including owls, king-and-queen dolls, Radha-Krishna, Ganesha, and Jagannath figures, as well as furniture. Their meticulous handiwork and vibrant use of colors bring each piece to life.
For nearly fifty families in the village, this craft is a generational profession and their primary source of livelihood. Their creations are sold not just within the state, but also across India and abroad, with many artists receiving special orders.
According to the District Tourism Development Department, the West Bengal government’s Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, in collaboration with UNESCO, has helped establish Natungram as a key rural crafts hub. The exceptional skill of these artisans has even earned them national recognition, including presidential awards. Despite this acclaim, many artists previously found it challenging to secure a steady income, relying mainly on sales at fairs and limited orders.
The new 99% duty-free trade agreement between India and the UK is poised to change this. Along with products like Santiniketan leather goods and Darjeeling tea, Natungram’s wooden dolls will be exported to Britain. This is expected to create a surge in demand for the dolls, leading to greater financial stability for the artisans.
Artists such as Akshay Bhaskar, Jagabandhu Bhaskar, and Subhash Sutradhar have expressed their delight, stating that while they previously had opportunities to sell at local fairs, international exposure was rare. “This trade deal will increase our work opportunities and lead to financial growth,” they said. “More importantly, it will bring international recognition to Natungram’s wooden dolls and highlight the value of our craft.”
This agreement not only promises financial gains but also shines a global spotlight on the rich artistic heritage of rural Bengal.
