Revitalization of Art and Craft at Leh (Ladakh) Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

A craft is a branch of profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. In historical sense, particularly as pertinent to the Medieval history and earlier, the term is usually applied towards people occupied in small-scale production of goods. The meaning of craft and its values are ever-changing with development of new techniques and methods. Craft centre is a one-stop craft destination which offers visitors a unique variety of craft-related activities and programmes. It is intended to be a “must visit” tourist destination. In this centre, visitors will learn about Ladakhi handicraft through craft demonstrations and hands-on interactive sessions. Visitors will experience the interactive handicraft making besides viewing the techniques in which they make such fine masterpieces. It also accommodates various trading units. This project intends to provide spaces with forms and functions to foster the development of crafts that Ladakh is known for. The art and craft gallery housed in its premises displays wide collections of handicraft Products/artifacts based on time-honoured Ladakhi craft traditions. The core concept of the Craft gallery is education and highlights the craft heritage of Ladakh and local handicraft production technologies. There are many handicrafts promoting agency in Ladakh. They are private, semi government and government agency with different scope and scale. But they lack adequate space which truly acknowledges the production, promotion and display of crafts. The project has opted for traditional principles in architectural design character of a traditional settlement.