Traditional Bamboo Craft of Tripura: Its Diversification and Conservation

Abstract

In India about 10 million hectare forest land is covered by bamboo. Tripura is one of the major bamboo producing states in India. Traditional bamboo craft provides livelihood of the Tribal and other socially and economically backward classes of Tripura. The present study deals with traditional knowledge of bamboo utilization and their conservation. The study is based on literature survey and personal interview method at random with traditional bamboo artisans of Belonia subdivision and Agartala. Findings of the study reveal that in Tripura the skill of working with bamboo is extremely wide spread. Almost all artisans are belonging to below poverty line though they are excellent artisans. The craft sector is not the only user of bamboo; it is also used for food and medicine. As a result, the natural vegetation of bamboo is under the threat of depletion. Scientific management of the clump through selectively felling of mature culms each year is desirable for higher productivity of bamboo. Research and Development is needed for product line, quality control and preservation. Traditional methods of preservative treatment were practiced by the tribal bamboo craftsman. Introduction