Unfolding the Enduring Art of Chunri in Pakistan: Exploration of Current Techniques and Challenges

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study focuses on the detailed review about the craft and how the artisans are struggling for the continuity of their role as the chunri makers. As the world is digitalizing vastly, the study points out the available alternatives for the process of chunri and how it is possessing a threat to extinction of the handicraft. Chunri or Bandhani is not merely a design, it is a process which involves the skill and efforts of an expert artisan.

Methodology: One simply cannot achieve the effects that are concluded after hours of labour. Apart from the in-person interviews of the artisans, the study focuses upon the motif of the chunri and the background history of each design. The information gathered was about their socio-economic status, back ground of dyeing and printing art and detailed information about products and marketing. The study also sheds light on how these crafts still possess a number of areas to be explored for future potential.

Findings: Findings shows that there is a prominent lack of any support or effort that is carried out in order to promote the art of Chunri or Bandhani and the artisans who are giving their blood and sweat to keep this traditional textile technique alive should be helped to meet their expenditures so they do not give up practicing it and help in keeping the traditions alive. Some of the points to be noticed are that with the backing of suitable publicity campaign and education amongst these poor artisans and awareness about the gem of the craft they hold, the artisans can be given enough credit and realization of their craft.

Conclusion: If the marketing conditions were made better for the local community to easily and directly sell their products, it would help the original makers to flourish. This will help the workers to also encourage the young children to take up this profession as they are not interested in adopting the generational art anymore. Workers should be made aware of the importance of their art at any cost otherwise Pakistan would lose this heritage in whirls of time.