Gender Role in Handicraft Promotion: A Case Study among Dongria Kandha Women in Rayagada District, Odisha

The indigenous knowledge belongs to a particular ethnic group. Indigenous knowledge develops in a specific socio-cultural environment with an unique innovative practice of local community. Kapdaganda an embroidery shawl represents the rich cultural heritage of Dongria Kandha community is an excellent indigenous handicraft. The knowledge regarding the traditional handicraft is only confined to women among Dongria Kandha. The objective of this paper is to study the gender role in production, promotion and preservation of the skill of traditional handicraft. It also focuses the cognitive aspects behind the style, design and colors used in Kapdaganda and highlight the socio-cultural significance of shawl in their life. This study has undertaken by using anthropological tools and techniques like observation, In-depth interview, focus Group Discussion (FGD) and scheduled.