Bardowa's kuhila industry on the brink of disaster

DHING, June 27 ? Vaishnavate saints of medieval Assam were uniquely gifted with artistic sensibility and love of nature. This characteristic of the Vaishnava saints headed by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva was largely reflected in their contemporary art and culture. Srimanta Sankardeva started kuhila udyog, a new handicraft industry at Bardowa which combined the classical Hindu and unique Vaishnavite style. Unfortunately, this traditional craft developed in medieval Assam is facing tough times these days due to lacking in patronisation from the government. Besides Assam These traditional handicraft products have a great demand in neighbouring states. The cork industry works require kuhila as a raw material which is found in abunance in damp and low-lying areas in and around Bardowa. It is to be mentioned here the cork industries are found only in Bardowa in Nagaon district and Gauripur in Goalpara District. The main products of the kuhila udyog are masks used in bhaona, garlands, crown for brides and grooms and various types of toys etc. This ancient craft industry of Bardowa was developed under two dynamic social workers of the locality ? Biren Chandra Mahanta and Pabitra Dev Goswami. They were pioneers in Establishing the first co-operative society for this trade Batadraba Kuhila Kath Kutir Silpa in 1975. Since then unemployed youths and artisans involved in this craft are trying to improve their skills through training at Gauripur from tiem to time. According to source, now this craft is practicised by at least 70 men and women as their sole avocation. Incidently Bardowa is the only place in Assam to produce kuhlia kath of various sizes and style. Kuhila kath produced at Bardowa has become a special feature of this historic satra for pilgrims and tourists who throng this place. However, the first co-operative venture initiated in 1975 has not received government fund resulting in severe financial crisis involved in this craft. One of the notable artisans of this craft is Sisuram Barua of Mukali gaon. Barua opened an institution ?Batadraba Putala Kuhila Udyog? in 1988 and gave a new lease of life to this industry. Since then besides producing various attractive items, this artisan conducts training programme sponsored by District Industries Centre and Rural Development Agency. Unfortunately this six-month training programme (TRYSEM) meant for young artisans has now stopped resulting in financial constraints for the institution. However, this talented artiste participated in various handicraft exhibitions inside and outside the State and earned laurels. Along with Barua various artisans involved in this are supporting their families out of meagre income and around Bardowa village. He was award by the Director of Industries and Commerce for one of his unique creation, ?Ashoka Stambha? in 2001. Nowadays, besides traditional kuhila kath various new items like fish, flower, cars, bus, tortoise, idol of durga, ravana, ducks and ship etc. are made by Barua. This purely agro-based and eco-friendly traditional craft industry requires immediate government attention as paucity of fund, market and necessary training has pushed it to the brink of extinction.