The COVID-19 Crisis and Handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh: Challenges and Resilience in Zari-Zardozi Craft Industry of Bareilly

Abstract

Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in terms of population is also a major centre for handicraft production and exports in India. It is very famous for some of its most unique handicrafts like Banarasi saree, chikankari embroidery, wooden and terracotta toys etc. Zari-Zardozi is also ancient embroidery that is practiced in many cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bareilly is renowned for its intricate Zardozi embroidery. The world economy was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the handicraft industry suffered greatly as a result of supply chain interruptions, a decline in consumer demand, and economic downturns. This study explores the impact of the pandemic on the handicraft industry of Uttar Pradesh, with a particular focus on the Zari-Zardozi craft of Bareilly. It evaluates the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic on artisans using primary and secondary data analysis, Examining factors like government assistance, employment losses, income reduction, and raw material access. The study employs techniques like descriptive analysis, correlation and regression to attain the objectives.  According to the research, just 30–40% of artists received financial assistance, 75% experienced supply chain interruptions, and 85% saw a sharp drop in income. Although 70% of artists said internet channels may help with rehabilitation, digital usage was still limited. According to regression analysis, training in digital skills and financial recovery were important indicators of future optimism. In order to protect artists' livelihoods and guarantee the long-term viability of the handcraft industry, the study emphasizes the critical need for regulatory interventions, digital literacy initiatives, and sustainable business models.

Introduction-

India’s handicraft sector is an irreplaceable pillar of cultural heritage and economic sustenance, employing over seven million artisans, predominantly women from marginalized communities (Handicrafts Industry, n.d.). One of the most populated states in India, Uttar Pradesh (UP), is well known for its varied handicrafts and rich cultural legacy. The state is home to a number of internationally famous crafts, including as the Zari-Zardozi of Bareilly, the brassware of Moradabad, the carpet weaving of Bhadohi, and the Chikankari embroidery of Lucknow. (Gupta & Verma, 2024) Artisans, often from marginalized communities, depend on the craft industry for income, with many working in informal settings without formal protections or social security. The unprecedented global crisis of Covid-19 has profoundly impacted the global economies sparing no sector and no country it is estimated by UN that global economies have lost almost $8.5 trillion in the two years of pandemic. The traditional craft sector due to its heavy reliance on manual labour became more vulnerable to the economic slowdown and restrictions.  Estimates suggest that the global handicraft market could suffer losses ranging from $800 billion to $1 trillion due to reduced consumer spending and canceled orders during the pandemic. (Yadav et al., 2022) The handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh faced serious supply chain disruptions, income loss, and evaporating demand as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Nationwide job losses and increased vulnerability for craftsmen were caused by the economic slump and travel restrictions. Zari-Zardozi, a form of embroidery that uses metallic threads, has historically been an esteemed craft associated with India’s culture. Bareilly, which is a city situated in the north of Uttar Pradesh is famous for its majestic Zardozi work and often called as “Zari Nagri”. The zari-zardozi craft is a centuries old art which is passed on from generations’ since the Mughal period. The pandemic further amplified the existing vulnerabilities within this sector, especially for Bareilly's artisans who faced reduced demand, disruptions in production, and challenges in accessing government support. This study aims to understand the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns on the handicraft sector of Uttar Pradesh and with a specific focus on the Zari-Zardozi craft of Bareilly.