Rural Tourism and Promotion of Handicrafts in India

Andhra Pradesh’s myriad craft traditions and living craft skills are acknowledged as living links to the past and as a means of preserving cultural meaning into the future. Andhra Pradesh is the treasure house of fascinating handicrafts each unique in their style, concept form and expression, that has made a name for themselves the world over. The evolution of design colour and form embodied in handicrafts is a story of experiment and evolution through centuries, perfected through the passage of time. The estimate number of artisans in Andhra Pradesh is 2.08 lakhs and the annual production capacity is 570 crores. Though their contribution to the exchequer as well as to the Indian culture presents a rosy picture, an observation of the socio-economic and working conditions of the artisans in the country leaves much to be desired. The paradox of talented artisans living in unrelenting poverty while their products support a flourishing export trade is the complex and pervasive problem that affects the crafts sector in Andhra Pradesh. Community based rural tourism will play an important role in the preservation and promotion of rural handicrafts and to provide a sustainable livelihood and strengthen rural economy by improving the quality of life of village communities. The focus of the book is life of village communities. The focus of the book is on how rural tourism supports the handicrafts for the development of the social and economic well being of the artisan community.