A Socio-Economic Study of Mat-Making in Kundalpal Village, West Bengal

Abstract

Once a household-based tradition, the making of Madurkathi mats has increasingly become a vital source of livelihood in rural West Bengal. This study investigates the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental aspects of mat-making in Kundalpal village, Paschim Medinipur, with a focus on women artisans. It looks at how such traditional crafts support income generation, empower women, and help sustain cultural heritage. Despite their importance, there is little research exploring how handicrafts connect livelihoods, sustainability, and gender empowerment at the grassroots level. Findings show that while mat-making boosts women’s financial autonomy and social engagement—particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)the sector struggles with several constraints. These include poor market access, reliance on middlemen, insufficient infrastructure, and competition from machine-produced alternatives. Although the Geographical Indication (GI) tag has enhanced the craft’s visibility and market value, many artisans have yet to fully benefit. The paper underscores the need for stronger institutional backing, better market integration, and active community involvement to ensure the long-term viability of this traditional practice.

Introduction

The text highlights that rural entrepreneurship plays a key role in improving economic conditions in developing countries, especially by utilizing local resources and labor. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of migration and worsened gender inequalities, with women facing limited income opportunities. Although women’s participation in economic activities has increased due to government support and self-help groups, they still face barriers such as lack of education, credit, and market access.

Handicrafts, particularly in rural areas, serve as an important source of income and empowerment for women. They preserve cultural heritage, require low investment, and offer flexible work options. However, artisans struggle with limited marketing, financial constraints, and competition from mass-produced goods, challenges that intensified during the pandemic.

The study focuses on the Madurkathi mat-weaving tradition in Kundalpal village, West Bengal, using qualitative methods like interviews, observations, and group discussions. It finds that handicrafts significantly enhance women’s financial independence, decision-making power, and social status while supporting sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Key findings show that the craft strengthens community ties (social), provides income despite challenges like middlemen and fluctuating raw material costs (economic), and is largely eco-friendly but faces environmental risks (environmental). Major problems include poor infrastructure, limited market access, lack of training, and dependence on intermediaries.

Despite these challenges, the sector has strong potential through digital marketing, skill development, government support, and growing demand for sustainable handmade products. Overall, handicrafts act as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, rural development, and preservation of traditional knowledge.

Conclusion

This study on mat-making in Kundalpal village, Paschim Medinipur, underscores the close relationship between traditional craftsmanship, rural livelihoods, and socio-cultural identity. Madurkathi production is more than an economic activityit is a culturally rooted practice passed down through generations. It plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy, especially by creating employment for women and marginalized groups, thereby boosting household incomes and community resilience. Socially, the craft reinforces cooperation, collective responsibility, and social cohesion. SHGs have been pivotal in organizing production, raising awareness, and advancing women’s empowerment. Female artisans have become central figures in both economic and social spheres, gaining financial independence and greater influence within their homes. The continued use of mats in festivals, rituals, and daily routines helps preserve indigenous traditions and cultural heritage. From an economic standpoint, while mat-making provides a steady supplementary income, it faces structural hurdles such as dependence on intermediaries, unstable demand, rising material costs, and limited market reach. Although the GI tag has enhanced the product’s visibility and value, not all artisans benefit equally due to gaps in awareness, marketing ability, and infrastructure. Environmentally, the craft remains largely sustainable due to its use of natural plant-based materials. However, threats from climate variability, overharvesting, and chemical use could undermine ecological balance over time. Seasonal disruptions, especially during rainy and cold seasons, also affect production timelines and quality. Adopting sustainable resource management is therefore essential to ensure both environmental protection and consistent output. Despite its strengths, the sector continues to struggle with poor infrastructure, limited connectivity, outdated technology, and insufficient financial backing. These issues constrain productivity, innovation, and market expansion. Additionally, shifting consumer trends toward machine-made and synthetic alternatives pose a growing challenge to the survival of this traditional craft. 1. Ensuring the long-term viability and expansion of mat-making in the region calls for a comprehensive strategy. Enhancing connections to markets, supporting digital and online sales channels, upgrading infrastructure, and offering financial support via microcredit initiatives can greatly strengthen the sector. Training programs focused on skill enhancement, encouraging design innovation, and facilitating access to national and international markets can enable artisans to meet modern market needs without compromising traditional craftsmanship. Equally important is coordinated action among government bodies, non-profits, and local communities to build an environment that actively supports artisan development. 2. In summary, the practice of mat-making in Kundalpal village embodies a meaningful fusion of cultural heritage, economic livelihood, and environmental sustainability. Despite facing various challenges, the craft offers significant opportunities for rural advancement, empowerment of women, and the safeguarding of cultural identity. With well-designed policies, access to technology, and active community involvement, this traditional industry can transform into a sustainable and economically robust enterprise, all while retaining its cultural significance.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Istiak Parvej, Nargis Sultana. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.