A socio-economic analysis of the state

ofcraftsmen and tourism at Karu Palli Sonar
gaon
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

studyarea ..................................................................................................... 21-22
4.1: Comparison of the per capita income with the national average
4.2: Occupational immobility of labor 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

 
 
5|
P a g e
 
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

 
1.1 General 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.

1.2 Problem Statement

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 Kha’s kingdom. After
Isa Kha’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 was not 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.

1.3 Objectives
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 there construction 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.

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 by
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
 
 
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.

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
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
‘LeVoyage aux Indes’ which is the travel description of the Indian traveller
Niccolo de Conti.

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 kilometers 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 the
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.

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%.
Paurashabhas 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

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.

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.

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
Land marks, the Folk Arts and Crafts 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.

 
  
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 has a large collection including pottery, carvings, ornaments,
bamboo and brass crafts, paintings, and of course, textiles.

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 a group of Hindu talukdars. Panam City was prospering up until the
end of Second World War II.
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.

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

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 1989he 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 90000Tk 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
craft 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.

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
Chap 5: Findings on the state of tourism at Karu
PalliChap
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 numbe rof 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.
Chap 5.2: Overpriced 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.
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
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.

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
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.
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 KhasNogor 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.

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 startup 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

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
Agriculture25.95%
Non-Agriculture Labours2.60%
Industry4.27%
Commerce23.74%
Transport and Communication4.51%
Service20.31%
Construction1.61%
Religious service0.31%
Rent and remittance4.68%
Others12.02%