Ethno-biology of exhibits in a mega handicraft fair of Rajasthan

Abstract

Traditional arts and crafts are important means of socio-economic uplifting of communities as well as financial growth of states and country. A ten days mega handicraft fair is organized every year at the end of December in <i>Shilpgram</i>- The rural arts and crafts complex at Udaipur, Rajasthan where people from all over India associated with traditional arts come to exhibit and sell their products. An ethno-biological survey was done in the fair to explore about plant and animal based art and craft items. Information obtained from 35 sellers has revealed use of 45 plant and 7 animal products in form of various creative items of aesthetic, domestic and personal utility. The paper illuminates the importance of various plants and animal products in human life as well as emphasizes the need of such mega fairs on regular basis in different parts of country for development and preservation of traditional skills and also for raising the standards of economically backward sections of society.