The Centre is currently undertaking empirical research project titled “Adding Life to Centuries’ Dying Art: A Comparative Market Analysis between Tangaliya Shawls and Kutch work Shawls”. The project, divided into two stages through an investigative empirical study, aims to find root causes of the gradual extinction of two handicrafts Tangaliya Shawl and Kutchhi Shawl in State of Gujarat despite legislative protection as Geographical Indications, and learn the effectiveness of the GI law as implemented in India. Further, the project aims to understand the lack of adequate governmental support to mobilize local human resources to take up handicrafts on professional lines for self-employment.
With these objectives the first and pilot phase empirical survey was conducted by the team among the weavers of these two handicrafts and analysis of the same was presented at an International forum “IPScholars Asia” 2018, 03rd Work-in-Progress Conference organized by Singapore Management University on 01st-02nd March, 2018. The survey was well appreciated by the Chair for the session Mr. Denis Croze as well as by other presenters from Europe, Japan, China and India.
Further, the team has undertaken the final phase of the project by broadening stakeholders for survey and accordingly will submit a detailed report to Department of Commissioner of Cottage Industry, Government of Gujarat.
