A socio-economic analysis of the state of

craftsmen and tourism at Karu Palli, Sonargaon

Submitted by:
Monojit Saha
Degree- B.Sc in Geography and environment (1st Year)
Course Number- 110 Introduction to Research and Field
Studies

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Acknowledgement

First and foremost I would like to convey my felicitations to Professor Dr. MD.
Humayun Kabir, who has taken this initiative to conduct this research field trip to
Sonargaon Folk Arts and Craft Village. Without his constant motivation and timely
advice, the conduction of this research project would have been impossible.
Secondly, I would like to highlight the overall guidance and cooperation that has
been provided by Professor Dr. Hafiza Khatun, Chairperson of the Department of
Geography and Environment.

I would also like to thank Md. Mohiuddin , Sanmandi Union Member for his valuable
information provided over telephone.

The authority of the Folk Art and Craft’s village also deserve special mention for their
cooperation and welcoming behaviour towards us for the entire trip.

Last but not the least, I would like to congratulate my fellow classmates and
especially the Class representatives for their smooth conduction of the trip.

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Abstract

The report has depicted the overall socio-economic condition of the dwellers of the
Karu palli with special reference to the state of the folk craft. The folk crafts is in dire
need for intervention through government policy and steps to ensure future survival.
The craftsmen face an array of economic, social and political

It has been established in the report that the expansion of tourism in the area has a
direct correlation to the socio-economic condition of the craftsmen in the Palli.
Hence, if we focus into improving the flow of visitors in the area, the overall situation
will improve. The report shows that a lot of geographical advantages in terms of
situation of major heritage sites may be used to the advantage of Karu Palli. Karu
Palli also faces some major social challenges which has been addressed in this report.
The report also analyzes the government initiatives and their effectiveness in terms
of conserving the heritage in the area. Finally, the report recommends sustainable
measures that could be taken to ensure commercial success of Karu Palli and
conserve the folk craft heritage.

Table of Contents

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Chap 1: Introduction ................................. 6-11
1.1 General background
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Objectives
1.4 Research Methodology
1.5 . Limitations of the Research

Chap 2: Analysis from Secondary Data ........................................... 11-12

2.1: Literature Review (Historical

2.2: Defining folk crafts and its characteristics

Chap 3: Profile of study area and respondents........................................12-21

3.1 Geographical Location of study area

3.2 Demographic Profile of the Study area

3.3 Settlement type and pattern of the study area

3.4 Economic activities and land-use pattern

3.5 Major Human Features

3.6 Major Physical Features

3.7 Respondent Profiles Case Study

Chap 4: Findings on the Socio-economic state of the dwellers of the study

area ............................................................................................................ 21-22
4.1: Comparison of the per capita income with the national average

4.2: Occupational immobility of labour leading to low economic output

4.3: Social and political pressures on the natives

4.4: Involvement of women in the craftwork

4.5 No undergraduate institution in the area leading to loss of crafts

Chap 5: Findings on the state of tourism at Karu Palli ......................... 22-25

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5.1: Slow flow of visitors

5.2: Over priced amenities for the visitors

5.3: Under-developed communication links

5.4: Ban of CNGs (Central Natural Gas run vehicles) on the highway

5.5: Poor state of tourism at Panam City and its effect on Karu Palli

5.7: No rest houses or hotels in the vicinity of the Karu Palli

Chap 6: State of folk craft in Karu Palli.................................................25-27

6.1: Small number of skilled native craftsmen remaining

6.2: Disinterest to continue crafts work into the next generation

6.3: Sale of imported products rather than craft work

6.4: Lack of variation in design templates

6.5: Increasing price of raw materials

6.6: No government incentives or easy bank loans

6.7: Government’s ‘Muslin’ Revival Project and its effect

Chap 7: Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................ 27

References ....................................................................................................................28

Appendices .....................................................................................................................28-29

Chap 1: Introduction

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1.6General background

The report has been prepared in light of observations made during the research
field trip held on the 5th of September 2015 to Sonargaon Folk Arts and Crafts
Village also referred to as Karu Palli. The research was conducted as part of the
course number 110 for completion of first year of Bachelors of Science degree
under the Department of Geography and Environment, University of Dhaka.

The focus of the research report would be on the general socio-economic dynamics
of the study area and with special focus on strategies for proper restoration of the
lost folk arts and crafts tradition of the region.

The trip that was conducted consisted of interview sessions, observation sessions
and recreational events in and around the study area. Although the time span of the
trip was limited to within a day, most of the important historical landmarks were
all visited during the trip. Spots of visit included the craft stores around the
Museum area, the settlements outside the museum complex, the Panam City,
Baider Bazaar and Meghna river.
Observations, regarding the socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants and the
geography of the study area were noted throughout the trip.

1.7 Problem Statement

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 Throughout the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Sonargaon was ruled by a variety of
kings, sultans, and overlords. Even during such turmoil, the city thrived. In fact in the
early fourteenth century, it was home to a mint as well as being a center of trade.

In the 16th century, Sonargaon was the capital of Isa Khan’s kingdom. After Isa Khan’s
death his son briefly ruled the area, before succumbing to the Mughal army.

In the early seventeenth century, the capital of the region shifted to Dhaka and
Sonargaon began to fade.

In the late 19th century, Sonargaon experienced a period of revival when Panam City
was established as a trading center. Hindu merchants set up shop in the city, building
stately houses and selling fine fabrics. However, it wasn’t to last and Panam City too
faded as many of the Hindu merchants left for India after partition, leaving the city
virtually abandoned.

Sonargaon has been for their textiles for centuries. In the 14th century, Ibn Batuta
specifically noted the volume of high quality fabric being made in Sonargaon. A few
centuries later, British traveler Ralph Fitch was enamored with the muslin woven in
Sonargaon. Sonargaon is specifically known for Jamdani, a truly magnificent, highly
decorated muslin. It is still woven today in villages around Sonargaon

Jamdani fabric are very labor intensive to weave, each is sewn individually, not mass
produced, and the patterns are from memory, one Jamdani can take 15 days to 6 months to
complete. The fabric is light and sheer, decorated with floral or geometric patterns.

The present state of the craft is in a dire situation. With the infiltration of imported cloths
from India flooding the market, the demand for Jamdani is being replaced. Such is the
condition with other craft items such as hand- made utility items made by the local
craftsmen.

Such is the state of the craft that if as shown in the figure below, the crafts works could only
become a part of the Museum. Hence, this study that aims at depicting the socio-economic
state of the dwellers of Karu palli and suggest sustainable solutions which would revive the
craft and preserve the heritage.

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Figure 1.1 : Imitations depicting craftsmen inside the Folk Arts and Crafts Museum.

1.8Objectives

The main aim of the study is kept on the socio-economic conditions of the people
currently residing in the same geographical area which was once one of the centres of
trade of Asia.

The study also focuses on the geography of the area and its relation to the present state of
trade and commerce in the area. The human and physical characteristics of the study area
and it’s correlation is also sought.

The study aims to find the reasons for almost extinction of the craft works in the area with
special focus on the weavers of tradition cloths such as Moslin and Jamdani. Special
focus is also given to the present state of the craftsmen who had their ancestors or who
directly learned the crafts from the native craftsmen involved in the making of crafts.. The
study aims to analyze the government policies that are being taken in order to revive the
lost traditions of the crafts. The study highlights inefficiency and corruption in the
reconstruction of the folk arts and crafts village around the museum area.
Finally, the study aims at finding sustainable solutions for increasing trade in the area and
revival of the lost folk crafts culture in Karu Palli.

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 1.4 Research Methodology

Field Research Phase:

The research conducted was mainly observational. This included an initial reconnaissance
of the area in and around the Folk Arts and Crafts village. Next, an interview session was
conducted where a team of 100 interviewed two people. The questionnaire prepared was a
standard questionnaire where the socio-economic and information about the human and
physical features of the area was assessed.

Besides the interview, the researchers were instructed to acutely analyze the reasons for
the socio-economic situations of the dwellers and craftsmen in the village. The interviews
were very detailed with each lasting for about 20 minutes per person.
The data collected were then analyzed and there was an effort to make inferences
regarding the state of the people and the area.

A group interview strategy was used to ensure that maximum output from different
perspectives could be noted. Here a group of three interviewers questioned the interviewees.

A gender balance was maintained in the three member teams that conducted the
interviews as some women respondents were hesitant to answer to male interviewers.

Figure 1.2: Group interviews being conducted

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 Telephonic Research Phase
A telephonic research phase was also conducted. The phone numbers of one of the
interviewee was noted while the Bangladesh Government’s web portal was used to
collect the telephone numbers of some of the elected representatives of the area
were collected.
The problems associated with the lives of the people were identified and some of
the policy related questions related and falling under the administrative authority
of the municipality was asked to the elected representatives.

Use of Satellite Imagery

Google Earth version 10.1 was used to make obtained satellite images of the study
area. A detailed study of the settlement areas were done to obtain information
about the types of settlements, i.e. if houses had cemented ceilings, tin shades or
kutcha housing.
The settlement patterns were also noted by using a road network layer on Google
Earth and noting how the settlements were spread around the road.

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 1.5 Limitations of the Research

Short period of Observation

The overall period of observation was very short, summing up to a total of 3 hours only.
Hence thorough investigation into the study area was not possible.

Overgeneralization
This report is being prepared on the basis of findings from a total of four interviews of the
dwellers in the study area. As proper data analysis from all the researchers was not
possible to accumulate, the study suffers from a lack of diversity among perspectives.

Biased Responses
Research into the political dynamics of the area showed that the stall allocations made
beside the Museum area which was politically allocated and thus the craftsmen were in
fear of political exploitation and thus the responses didn’t reflect the actual situation.

Area Coverage by the Researcher

It was not possible for every researcher to cover the whole of the study area which
extended from Panam City to the north to the Museum in the South. And thus the report
prepared may be based on the findings from a particular area.

Insufficiency of secondary data

The number of prior research conducted is less and if conducted, the focus is on Panam
City.

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Chap 2: Analysis from Secondary Data
Chap 2.1: Literature Review (Historical)
The amount of secondary material is insufficient to get an overview on the state of living
of people in the golden days when the folk arts and crafts were prominent. Yet, several
sources indicate the economic conditions of the craftsmen were better than most general
people. The state of secondary data is so poor that the actual age of the city of Sonargaon,
let alone the extent of Karu Palli, is still debatable.
But numerous secondary data have described the land as a trading hub for the entire
region. One of the earliest accounts of the area can be found from the accounts of Ibn
Battuta in around the mid- 1300’s. This account supports the assertion that Sonargaon
was a major trading port during that time. References about Sonargaon may also be found
in accounts of the 14th century Chinese explorer Mao Kun. He travelled the area in 1431.
Further references of Sonargaon as being a major trading port may be found in the ‘Le
Voyage aux Indes’ which is the travel description of the Indian traveller Niccolo de
Conti.

Figure 2.1: The cover page of ‘Rihla’ which covers the travel summary of Ibn Battuta.

Figure 2.1: The cover of the book ‘Le Voyage Aux Indes’ by Nicollo de Conti, where he
mentioned about Sonargaon being a major trading port

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Chap 2.2: Defining folk crafts and its characteristics
The report focuses on the folk arts and crafts of the region of Sonargaon. If we are to analyze
the state of craft in the region, we first have to identify what products may be classified as
folk craft. Hence, we need a concrete definition of craft.

According to the report titled ‘Craft and Conservation: a Synthesis for ICCROM’ prepared by
Lucy Donkin, crafts may be characterized according to the following characteristics.

 Craft is characterized by a certain type of making in which objects are created by

hand through the skilled use of tools.
 Craft is characterized by a certain type of product, involving the creation of
essentially functional objects.

Hence, according to the above definition of craft, we have tried to enlist the different
types of crafts that are present in the study area.

Chap 3: Profile of study area and respondents

Chap 3.1 Geographical Location of study area
Actual Location

Actual location falls under latitude and longitudes of 23.6583°N 90.6083°E . The Sonargaon
Municipality extends to an area of 9.51 km square. The study area extends from the Folk arts
and crafts village (Karu palli) to Panam City. From 2001, the area is inside the Sonargaon
Municipality (Paurasavha). It is also a part of the Sonargaon Upazilla which is located in the
district of Narayanganj.

Relative location

Sonargaon is 25 kilometres away from the capital of Dhaka. The Folk Arts and Crafts
Museum is situated just 5 km away from the river Baider bazaar which is on the bank of
river Meghna. The Panam City which has great historical relevance is just a 1 km off the Palli.
To the general mass, the main study area is called ‘Jadughar (Museum)’ area.

It is situated at about 27 km on the left of the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.

It is 14 km from Narayanganj City.

It is located to the North Eastern part of Narayangj District.

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Chap 3.2 Demographic Profile of the Study area
Although the demographic details of the study area i.e. Folk Arts and Crafts Village and
surroundings couldn’t be collected, the demographic detail of the Municipality is taken to be
a representation.

Total Population: As of the 2011 Bangladesh Census, Sonargaon Paurashava has a

population of 33,506.

Population Density: 3470 persons per km2.

Population Structure: Male constitutes are 52.11% of the population, females 47.89%.
Paurashava’s eighteen up population is 48%.

Literacy rate: Sonargaon Paurashava has an average literacy rate of 69.46% (+7 years).

Religious Backgrounds : 89.21% of this Paurashava population is Muslim, 10.76% is Hindu

and 0.03% is Christian.

Chap 3.3 Settlement type and pattern of the study area

Types of Houses:

Based on on-spot observation and subsequent satellite imagery, we may conclude that the
settlements inside the Folk Arts and crafts village and in the surrounding area are mostly
kutcha housing with scattered numbers of semi-pucca to pucca houses.

Three major types of settlements may be identified:

(a) Fully tin made houses (ceiling and walls)

(b) Tin shaded houses ( tin ceilings and mud-made walls)
(c) Brick built houses

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 Figure 3.1: Satellite image of the study area. The red circle shows the settlement
area where tin shaded roofs are seen to be prevalent.

Settlement pattern:
The settlements pattern may be defined as scattered. On-spot observation showed a
few instances of linearity. But as the settlement is far off from the main connecting
road, the pattern is called scattered.
The shops however maintained a linear and centralized matter in and around the
Museum area.

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 Figure 3.2: Scattered settlement pattern may be observed from this satellite image.
(The blue line represents the main connecting road while the red circle shows the
main zone of settlement)

Chap 3.4 Economic activities and land-use pattern

If we consider the Sonargaon Upazilla, the economic activity is largely agriculture or
commerce based (Appendix 1.1).
Based on interview statistics and observation, it may be noted that a large section of
the people conducts activities dependent on the tourist spots. A small number of the
people have setup small shops selling handy-craft items outside the museum area.
While investigating the occupation of people who have lived for a long period of
time in the locality, most of the families shifted from agricultural work to commercial
or industry oriented works.

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 Figure 3.3: Utility and food item shops located outside the gate of Folks Arts and
Crafts Museum

Land-use Pattern
Judging from on-spot observations and analyzing satellite imagery, a large portion of
the study area is covered by heritage complexes and structures. There are three major
landmarks, the Folk Arts and Craft’s Village, the Museum area and the Panam City.

An equally great portion of land-cover is agricultural land.

The settlements are scattered and cover a large area but this is smaller in proportion to the
heritage complex and structure cover.

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Chap 3.5 Major Human Features
Folk Arts and Crafts Museum & Foundation

Housed in a Rajbari built at the turn of the century, the building itself is a stunning piece of
art with blue and white mosaic work around the facade. The building sits on picturesque
grounds with shady trees and peaceful ponds. All this scenery before even stepping inside!
The museum’s goal is to preserve and celebrate the traditional art and culture of
Bangladesh. The museum has a large collection including pottery, carvings, ornaments,
bamboo and brass crafts, paintings, and of course, textiles.

Figure 3.5 : The Folk Arts and Crafts Museum

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Panam City

This historical city is situated just 0.5 km away from Karu Palli. This is the earliest city of in
Sonargaon. Only structural remains of the buildings remain today. These structures are dated
to be built around the end of the 13th century. Some structures of Mughal Era still remain.
These include the remains of three ancient bridges which give hit to its strategic importance
as connectivity to other areas was strengthened during that time.

Panam Nagar is a unique township, a total of about 110 buildings are present in the whole
city. This was historically the residents of the a group of Hindu talukdars. Panam City was
prospering up until the end of Second World War II.

Figure 3.6: A picture of the building structure at Panam City and the map showing the area
that is covered by the city.

Religious institutions: Two mosques could be identified in the study area.

Schools and Colleges:

Chap 3.6 Major Physical Features

River Meghna:
Sonargaon was once a famous port city, this was because of its proximity to the river
Meghna. This proximity was once an instigator for the expansion of trade in the area
and also facilitated the development of the famous crafts works at Karu palli. Today,
the river may be accessed from Karu Palli through Baider Bazaar. The distance is
about 5 km. The connecting roads to the river are broken and narrow roads means that
big cars or trucks can’t travel.

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Inland Water Bodies (Ponds and Lakes):
Four major ponds could be identified in the study area.

Figure 3.7 : The birds eye view of the study area shows the prevalence of water bodies in the
area

Chap 3.7 Respondent Profiles Case Study

A total summing up to a total of 100 plus was conducted throughout the whole research trip.
Each investigator was assigned to do at least two responses.

Below, a case study is provided to highlight the overall state of craft and the state of living in
the study area.

Abu Taher, Owner of Sonali Jamdani Ghar

Age: 60

Education Level: Class 2

Family Size: 5 people

Monthly Expenditure: 30-35 Thousand Taka

Figure 3.8: Abu Taher while being interviewed by the investigators. On the right, a profile of
his demographics is presented.

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Abu Taher claims to be the founder jamdani store owner of the folk village, although no
verification of this claim could be found. He is a very well versed about the overall state of
the craft in the area and claims to be one of the only four native craftsmen operating in the
area. He started working as an apprentice to one of the native craftsmen in 1972 and in 1989
he established his own jamdani store. He provided valuable information about the present
state of craft in Karu Palli and expressed his dissatisfaction about the almost practical
extinction of this craft. He also explained how he was unable to convince his son to carry on
this crafts work.

He mentioned how his store supplied Jamdani Sarees to big retail stores such as Arong and
also abroad to India. Taher has also taken part in several folk crafts expositions.

Taher employs 4 other craft workers for his store. They are paid at a rate of 300Tk per day.

Overall, Taher runs an overall small but successful business which earns him enough revenue
to run a 5 person family relatively smoothly.

Although Taher is optimistic about the revival of the craft in the area, he was unable to
convince his son to continue in the craftwork.

Chap 4: Findings on the Socio-economic state of the dwellers of

the study area
Chap 4.1: Comparison of the per capita income with the national average
Analyzing the data from the survey that was conducted and overall statistics of Sonargaon
Paurasavha, we can conclude that the average income lies at around 7000 Tk per month,
which means 84000 Tk per annum. The national average for Bangladesh lies at around 90000
Tk per annum. As we can see, the average income is slightly less than the national average.
Sonargoan was historically a

Chap4.2: Occupational immobility of labour leading to low economic

output
Of the last remaining native craftsmen of the area, some are forced to continue this crafts
profession although the perks are limited. This is because, they will never be comfortable
shifting to other professions. But this is abruptly affecting their economic possibilities.

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Figure 4.1: Zahid, works in Sonali Jamdani house with a wage of 300tk per day

Chap 4.3: Social and political pressures on the natives

Allegations has been raised that the allocation of the stalls near the Museum area was done on
a political basis and allegations of corruption has been raised against the Sonargan Arts and
Crafts Foundation. 21 natives’ craftsmen still haven’t received their allocated stalls report
published on the 23rd of November 2013 in the Daily Kaler Kontho states (Appendix II).

Although hesitant, when the natives were asked about such allegations, they admitted that
irregularities were taking place. Hence, we can conclude that the natives are subject to
political and social repressions.

Chap 4.4: Involvement of women in the craftwork

It could be observed that most of the shop owners and craft workers at present are male.
Women are still not involved in good numbers. Hence, there is a gender imbalance.

Chap 4.5 No undergraduate institution in the area leading to loss of crafts

At present there are no university colleges, let alone universities or medical colleges in the
Sonargaon Paurasavha. There is a proposed Sinha University College in the Sonargaon
Upazilla’s Kachpur Union, yet implementation is slow. As there are no undergraduate
initiations, the sons and daughters of the craftsmen have to settle elsewhere for education, this
causes a separation from the crafts and ultimate disengagement with the skills. Hence, it is
difficult for the youth of the region to continue their traditional practices

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Chap 5: Findings on the state of tourism at Karu Palli

Chap 5.1: Slow flow of visitors

The visit was made on a Saturday, which was a national holiday for the Hindu religious
festival Janma Ostomi, yet, the numberof visitors were not satisfactory. Talking to the natives
and the shop owners, it is confirmed that the week day flow of visitors is even slower. The
only time the number of visitors is satisfactory is during the Eid holidays.

Figure 4.2 : Only a few visitors seen at the counter at the entrance of the Folk Arts and Crafts
Museum

Chap 5.2: Over priced amenities for the visitors

The natives and shop owners complained how the amenities such as snacks and drinks and
the entertainment services such as boat rides were too expensive for most of the visitors. The
major portion visitors usually come from the surrounding locality and other parts of
Narayanganj and surrounding districts. Hence, most of the visitors are from middle income or
lower middle income families.

On-spot interviews and observations showed that a plate of fuchka costs 50Tk in the store
inside the museum whereas outside the same one plate could be found at 30Tk, hence the
visitors are not interested in entering the museum for a visit.

Chap 5.3: Under-developed communication links

The roads connecting the Palli to the highway is partially broken at spots and thus travelling
in light transport mediums such as CNG or rickshaw can be uncomfortable and risky. This
acts as a major impediment to the flow of tourists from the nearby localities and further away.

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Chap 5.4: Ban of CNGs (Central Natural Gas run vehicles) on the highway
From September 2015, CNGs have been banned on all highways. After talking to the natives
and shop owners, the flow of visitors have decreased significantly after this ban was imposed.
The visitors who usually come from nearby urban areas used to prefer the CNG as a means
for travelling to the Palli as there is no bus travelling directly to the Palli. To avoid breaking
the journey into two steps, i.e. getting down from the bus in the highway and then taking a
CNG, the visitors hired direct CNGs.

Figure 5.1: CNG banded on the highway leading to slow flow of tourists

Chap 5.5: Poor state of tourism at Panam City and its effect on Karu Palli
Provided the historical importance of Panam City and the mesmerizing architecture could
easily make it a viable tourist attraction. As the Karu Palli is just 0.5 km away, the two sites
could share the visitors. A visitor who comes to visit the Panam City could easily visit Karu
Palli and vice versa. But field observations at Panam City shows that lack of management has
lead it to become polluted with rubbish piled in between structures. Also, local inhabitants
have started using the structures as residence. Thus, visitor flow is low.

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Figure 5.2 : Rubbish piled up in between the heritage buildings at Panam City

Chap 5.7: No rest houses or hotels in the vicinity of the Karu Palli
There is no officially registered rest house in Sonargaon Paurasavha. The shop owners
expressed dissatisfaction over this fact and pointed out how visitors from distant districts and
abroad can’t stay over-night near the Palli and hence are discouraged to come.

Chap 6: State of folk craft in Karu Palli

Chap 6.1: Small number of skilled native craftsmen remaining
A total of 10 or so native craftsmen could be identified in the area with only 4 involved in
Jamdani craft. The small number indicates the probable future extinction of the craft.

Chap 6.2: Disinterest to continue crafts work into the next generation
Although native craftsmen possess great passion towards their profession, they are uncertain
about the future of the craft. Most don’t want their children to continue in this profession.
Some want their children to continue the Jamdani business, but avoiding the craftwork and
depending on imports, as this is more commercial viable.

Chap 6.3: Sale of imported products rather than craft work

The stalls have taken a commercial policy of importing the different crafts from neighbouring
districts or from India. While questioned about this allegation, a sort of blame game started
among the stall owners, alleging each other. Judging from the volume of crafts work that was
present we can presume that the allegation was true.

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Chap 6.4: Lack of variation in design templates
Observation shows that although color of the crafts are different, there is a repetitive pattern.
This is due to the use of the same design templates over and over again. The craftsmen
mentioned how it was expensive to make a new design template and hence they are forced
into using the same templates.

Figure 6.1: Large volumes of crafts are being made available for sale.

Chap 6.5: Increasing price of raw materials

The craftsmen complained how the import taxes on raw materials such as cotton and other
threads were very high and so, it was very difficult for them to continue the Jamdani sarees
business. There is a special type of cotton required for Jamdani called ‘300 count cotton’, this
is not found in Bangladesh today and so has to be imported from China. The tariff put on this
item is still high and so this is impediment to the crafts work.

Chap 6.6: No government incentives or easy bank loans

At present, the craftsmen don’t get any incentives from the government in the form of
stipends. There is no easy bank loan available to the craftsmen. As it is difficult to gain
enough revenue from the craft work, it is becoming increasing difficult for the craftsmen to
continue their work.

Chap 6.7: Government’s ‘Muslin’ Revival Project and its effect

In 2015, the government initiated a Muslin revival project along the bank of the ancient Khas
Nogor Dighi. Some of the natives are being encouraged to setup outlets their and also to train
fresh weavers to disseminate and spread the skills of the crafts. Yet, the implementation of
the project is slow and is still lingering in the paper-works stage.

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Chap 7: Conclusion and Recommendations
Judging from the findings regarding both the state of crafts and the tourism, a major
number of challenges lies ahead for the survival of the crafts heritage. The main focus
should be on making the Palli commercially viable along with keeping the tradition
alive. For this, there needs to be an expansion in tourism in the area. When more
visitors will come in, the craftsmen will be able to sell more and hence this will act as
an incentive to carry on the work for more generations.

Recommendations

(i) Setting up specialized training institutes in the area where traditional skills
will be disseminated by the native craftsmen to the next generation. This
institute will also provide initial help for start up SME (small and medium
enterprises) working on traditional crafts work.
(ii) Ensuring transparency in the allocation of stores in the Museum area and
ensure the natives are not exploited.
(iii) Encouraging more involvement of women in the craft business. Specialized
loans could be given for the women of the area to start their own crafts
business.
(iv) Setting up undergraduate institutions nearby the Palli so that it is easily
accessible to the craft workers family.
(v) Facilitating the communication link between the large boutique houses and
the craftsmen. Ensure that the craftsmen get the proper price.
(vi) Introducing a short term incentive for the remaining crafts workers.
(vii) Provide funds for new design template making
(viii) Accelerating the implementation of the Muslin Project.
(ix) Improve communication links to Karu palli and lifting the ban on CNGs for
the highway connecting to Karu Palli
(x) Setting up rest houses in the vicinity for the tourists.
(xi) Monitor and prevent imported products from being sold in Karu Palli
(xii) Decrease tariff on 300 count cotton
(xiii) Improve the environment in Panam City. Encourage integrated tourist
complex between Panam City and Karu Palli.

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References
(i) Narayganj Paurasavha webpage
(ii) World Monuments Fund. "2008 World Monuments Watch List Of 100 Most Endangered
Sites" . World Monuments Fund. World Monuments Fund.
(iii) Ayesha Begum, Sonakanda Fort, Banglapedia: The National Encyclopedia of
Bangladesh, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka,

Appendices

Appendix I
Main sources of income:
Sector Percentage of population
Agriculture 25.95%
Non-Agriculture Labours 2.60%
Industry 4.27%
Commerce 23.74%
Transport and Communication 4.51%
Service 20.31%
Construction 1.61%
Religious service 0.31%
Rent and remittance 4.68%
Others 12.02%

Appendix II

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