Stone Carving in India and the Need for Process Innovation

Abstract

In the developing and third world countries, in particular, a sustainable livelihood approach to poverty reduction has become a prime concern worldwide, where livelihood depends largely on the outcomes of conventional farming. On the other hand, the handicraft sector traditionally plays an influential role in improving people’s livelihood conditions. It is a growing challenge to conserve and preserve the knowledge and skills of traditional crafts. Handicraft by local craftsmanship and materials are special manifestations of a specific culture or society. However, growing globalization leads to more commoditization of goods, and artisans find their products competitive worldwide. It is also necessary to secure a sustainable livelihood for the artisans who work in this traditional craft. This chapter will explore the traditional art form of stone carving, which is widely practiced among a group of people of the Susunia region of Bankura district of West Bengal, India. This research will look at the limitations and weaknesses associated with stone-carving operations and also aims to investigate the numerous livelihood results obtained from stone-carving activities by stoneworkers through entrepreneurial activities. Entrepreneurship is known as an antidote to poverty and unemployment. This research aims to promote and explore the influence of entrepreneurship on the sustainability of artisans.