Creativity and Crisis: An Ethnographic Account on the Life and Livelihood mechanisms of the Clay doll makers and Idol makers of Ghurni, Krishnanagar, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The clay doll makers and the idol makers share a proud history of clay doll making and idol-making over the years in Ghurni village of Krishnanagar City. The present investigation foregrounds the techniques of clay doll making by the clay doll makers and idol-making by the idol makers. The study reveals both the traditional and modern processes involved in idol-making. The study also reveals the life and livelihood mechanisms of these two artisan categories in the pre-COVID-19 phase and the post-COVID-19 phase. It has been found that the annual turnovers have fallen considerably for both the artisan categories due to the grievous effect of the pandemic. The present study demands more concrete steps from the government to promote all-around inclusive growth of the two artisan categories especially to ensure their survival in the current times of the pandemic situation.