Artistic Treasures of TRIFED

Artistic Treasures of TRIFED

Highlights of G-20 summit

This topic is related to Current Affairs of IAS/PCS Prelims Exam and Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper-1 Indian Tribal Heritage and Crafts.

September 18, 2023

In News:

  • The G-20 summit witnessed a remarkable showcase of India's rich tribal heritage and craftsmanship, curated and presented by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

About Artistic Treasures of TRIFED:

Longpi Pottery:

  • This pottery is made by the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Longpi village of Manipur.
  • This is a hand produced style of pottery made from extraordinary clay.
  • Unlike most pottery in this handcraft style, Longpi does not use a potter's wheel.
  • In these utensils all shapes are given by hand and with the help of moulds.
  • Distinctive brown-black cooking utensils, sturdy kettles, curious bowls, mugs and walnut trays, with fine cane handles are the trademarks of Longpi handicrafts.

Chhattisgarh Wind Flute:

  • This flute has been manufactured by the Gond tribe of Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
  • Made from 'Sulur' bamboo this Chhattisgarh wind flute produces a unique music.
  • Unlike the traditional flute, it produces tunes through one-handed swing.
  • This flute not only highlights the economic importance of 'Sulur' bamboo, but it also helps tribal men to escape from animals and guide cattle through the forests.
  • This flute displays the artistry, functionality and distinctive craftsmanship of the Gond tribe.

Gond Paintings:

  • These paintings reflect the artistic talent of the Gond tribe through intricate paintings and their deep connection with nature and tradition.

Gujarati Wall Hangings:

  • It is prepared by the Bhil and Pateliya tribes in Dahod in western Gujarat.
  • This is a distinctive form of ancient Gujarat art, much loved for wall attractiveness.
  • It is a traditional handicraft of Gujarat in which cotton fabric and recycled materials are used.

Araku Valley Coffee:

  • Hailing from the Suramya Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, this coffee is renowned for its unique taste and sustainable farming practices.
  • It provides a taste of the natural gifts of India. Cultivating premium coffee beans, they carefully oversee the entire process from harvest to pulping and roasting, resulting in a unique beverage.
  • Araku Valley Arabica coffee, organically produced, boasts a distinctive quality for its rich flavour, invigorating aroma and purity.

Rajasthan Art:

  • Glass mosaic pottery reflects the mosaic art style, carefully crafted into lampshades and candle holders. When illuminated, this glass mosaic displays a variety of colors.
  • Meenakari: The art of decorating metal surfaces with vibrant mineral substances, a technique introduced by the Mughals. Delicate designs are engraved on the metal, creating grooves for the colors to settle. Each color is fired individually, creating intricate, enamel-decorated pieces.
  • Metal Ambari Craft: It is a metal handicraft product prepared by Meena tribe and it involves metal decoration by enameling process.
  • Presently, apart from gold, this craftsmanship is also done on metals like silver and copper.

About TRIFED:

  • Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) was established in 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984.
  • It is operated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • This body works for the social and economic development of the tribal people of the country.

Other Programs Supported by TRIFED

Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)

  • The objective of this program is to establish 50,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in tribal areas across the country to provide livelihood and empowerment to the tribal people.

Village and Digital Connect Initiative:

  • This initiative has been launched to ensure digital connectivity and reach of existing schemes in Indian tribal areas.

Tech for Tribals Program

  • Tech for Tribals program aims to transform 5 crore tribal forest produce gatherers enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) into entrepreneurs by providing capacity building and entrepreneurship skills.

Trifood Scheme:

  • It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.
  • It promotes value addition to MSP for minor forest produce i.e. MFP.
  • The main objective of this scheme is to empower the Indian tribal population.
  • To help provide livelihood to the Indian tribal population.
  • In April 2021, TRIFED launched ‘SANKLAP SE SIDHI’. This is a 100 day initiative to activate Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
  • In April, 2021, TRIFED launched the TRIBES India Competition initiative.
  • In March, 2021, TRIFED had announced the implementation of Floriculture Mission in 21 states of the country.

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Mains Exam Question

Indian tribal handicraft products are not mere decorative items, but living expressions of India's rich cultural diversity and heritage. Discuss.