INTACH Initiative Promotes Rakhigarhi’s Traditional Crafts and Women’s Empowerment

Hisar: The Hisar Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is working to preserve Rakhigarhi’s traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local women.

Parnita Singh, Convenor of the INTACH Hisar Chapter, said the initiative aims to revive traditional skills, improve the quality of handcrafted products and help artisans become financially independent.

How Is INTACH Reviving Traditional Weaving?

In 2021, the INTACH Hisar Chapter organised a 15-day dari-weaving workshop in Rakhigarhi. The workshop aimed to revive the traditional craft and enable local women to earn a livelihood from their homes.

Special emphasis was placed on improving the women’s weaving skills and enhancing the design and quality of their products.

Singh said it was encouraging to see women in Rakhigarhi now weaving daris with confidence and earning a regular income through their work. The chapter continues to provide them with support and guidance whenever required.

Munj Craft Creates Additional Livelihood Opportunities

The chapter has also made sustained efforts to promote the traditional craft of making baskets from munj, a natural fibre used in handicrafts.

These baskets have received a positive response from tourists and visitors to Rakhigarhi. Women artisans receive assistance with raw materials and product designs, while arrangements are also made to purchase their finished products.

According to Singh, this support helps build confidence among artisans and provides them with opportunities to earn a more regular livelihood.

Why Is Heritage Conservation Linked to Women's Empowerment?

Singh emphasised that heritage conservation becomes meaningful when it also brings positive changes to the lives of the communities associated with it.

Through dari weaving and munj handicrafts, INTACH aims to keep traditional crafts alive while strengthening the economic independence of rural women.

The women of Rakhigarhi are increasingly becoming an inspiring example of how traditional knowledge can support livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage and promote women's empowerment.