Known for its rich tradition, Banda, a district in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, is also prominently known for the Shazar stone. This stone was discovered 400 years back in this district. It is exclusively found in the Ken river and what makes it unique is the colourful patterns of leaves, trees, mountains, animals, and symbols in it.
Shazar, also known as Augite, is used for making jewellery and artefact and was patronized by the rulers of Banda in ancient times. The industry flourished for a long time and the stones were exported to other countries, specially the Middle East. Over time, gradually, the craze and hence the business for this unique stone declined creating a hard time for the artisans.
However, things are back on track, thanks to the efforts of DM of Banda, Ms. Durga Shakti Nagpal, who has taken all necessary steps to promote and encourage it under ‘One District One Product’ scheme. Besides that, Banda has also been provided with GI Tag (Geographical Indicators) which distinguishes Shazar stone as a unique product of this area. All this has helped in increasing the business and Ms. Nagpal received the ODOP Award 2023 for her contribution in promoting the Shazar stone.
In conversation with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Nagpal explained how the fading industry was revived.
THE DECLINE
The industry around Shazar flourished over a period of time, reaching its apex in the 20th century. Several workshops and artisans were associated with the craft and it was a full-fledged industry. However, with the passage of time and lack of royal patronage, the industry started witnessing a decline. There was another major reason behind the decline.
Since Ken river was the only source of the raw stones, so there was scarcity of raw material. Besides this, the cost of finishing became more costly as it was totally labour oriented.
“The industrial revolution ushered in a lot of alternatives to the dressing requirements. Plus, the hard bargaining by old buyers left little residual profits, which laid this unique art at the edge of disappearance,” Ms. Nagpal said.
THE REVIVAL
In recent years, both the Centre and the UP government have initiated efforts for ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The Shazar stone industry has been infused with a new fervour resulting in upbeat mood for both buyers and sellers. Every year, around 20-25 new Shazar-based industries are being targeted to be setup under the ODOP scheme.
In order to provide suitable growth and support to the industry, around 200 craftsmen are being trained and have been given ODOP toolkits to support the industry framework at the bottom level.
Sharing the current position, Ms. Nagpal said, “At present, Banda has a strong workforce of around 500 plus workers and industrialists in the sector. To support better earning and
livelihood in this sector, the administration is carrying out ODOP Sensitization Workshop. Our focus is to train more and increase the procurement of the product.”
The artefacts are also being promoted at the state emporium. The increased presence of Shazar artefacts at the Gram Simoni Mela and Kalinjar Utsav in Banda is also helping. The next step planned is to organize Export Promotion Mela in the district.
Ms. Nagpal also added that the district administration and the state government are easing out the trade facilitation around this stone. In addition, the government is providing support through the ODOP Margin Money Scheme, ODOP toolkit Scheme, ODOP cluster development programme, and Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI).
INTRODUCING INNOVATIONS
Shazar has traditionally been associated with ornaments. The beautiful Shazar
stones are embedded in lockets, rings, necklaces, keychains, etc. Hence,
Shazar reinforced the growth of the ornament’s industry along with its growth, which is basically based in silver and gold.
“These ornaments have a high aesthetic value because of Shazar’s unique pattern and designs, as no two Shazar stones ever have the same patterns. Crafted Shazar stone is in high demand in Europe, Middle East and Gulf Countries,” said Ms. Nagpal.
Due to the combine efforts, the profits and exports have increased substantially. According to the export performance of the district in 2021, exports were Rs. 30,76,825 and in 2022-2023, export increased to Rs. 6,87,90,190 which is a 2135.75 % increase. Profit-making is also not exactly a challenge any more for Shazar, because the national and international branding that have recently been provided for it has made it an in-demand thing now.
Ms. Nagpal emphasized that there are larger possibilities of sale of the Shazar stone articles through government exhibitions and melas not only at the state or the national level, but also at the international level. The government supports the exhibitors and artisans with subsidies, incentives, stalls and transportation. Besides, incentives are also given for international exhibitions. This opens larger profit possibility for the Shazar artisans of Banda.
“The main aim of ODOP is to give the best handholding support to traditional handicrafts and artisans for better exposure at the state and the national level. By virtue of being the unique local product of Banda, Shazar stone was unanimously chosen as the ODOP product in the year 2017-2018 by the government of UP,” Ms. Nagpal said in conclusion.
