Socio-Economic Status of Badiger Community in Gadag Taluk, Karnataka State, India.
Suma B Ganjigatti 1, Dr. Lingaraj Niduvani2
1Research Student, Department of Social Work, Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Gadag, sumabg1122@gmail.com
2Lecturer and Research Guide, Department of Social Work, Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Gadag, lingarajvn707@gmail.com
Abstract
Carpentry, a traditional craft, has deep roots in the cultural and social fabric of India. Carpenters, primarily belonging to the Vishwakarma community, have historically worked with natural wood, employing traditional materials and techniques. Despite societal challenges, these communities have persisted in their professions, playing a crucial role in shaping both shelter and tools, even extending to weapon-making. This research explores the socio-cultural and traditional aspects of carpentry communities in India, shedding light on the diversity within castes and religious groups. Examining these communities helps unravel their unique socio-cultural systems, providing insights into their way of life and cultural significance.
Keywords: Vishwakarma Community, Badigera Community, Community Issues. Pottery, Marketing.
Introduction:
India's diverse cultural tapestry includes over 3000 castes and 25000 sub-castes, each contributing to the nation's rich heritage. Anthropologists and sociologists underscore the persistent reliance of these communities on traditional occupations. This study focuses on the carpentry profession, specifically within the Vishwakarma community, shedding light on its historical importance. The traditional craftsmanship of carpentry, once marked by regional uniqueness, has experienced transformations with the advent of advanced machinery and the influence of urbanization. This research seeks to explore the evolving dynamics of this age-old profession within the broader context of societal and technological changes in India.
Review Of Literature
Ramaswamy V.'s study, "Vishwakarma Craftsmen in Early Medieval Peninsular India," delves into the socio-economic context of Vishwakarma artisans during the early medieval period in the Peninsular region. The article focuses on understanding the dynamics of social change within craft groups, particularly the Vishwakarma community encompassing smiths, masons, and carpenters. The examination centers around the Chola-Pallava period's temple construction and urban development processes (Ramaswamy V, 2004).
Several scholarly works indicate that the low literacy levels among carpenters contribute to a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of education, coupled with limited family income. Furthermore, the very low socio-economic status of these artisans has implications for their nutritional intake and overall health. Certain studies also highlight a correlation between the socio-economic conditions of workers and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The influence of modernization and urbanization is evident in the changing methods employed in carpentry, particularly in larger cities.
In a study conducted by Chatterjee M. titled "Evaluation of Work-Related Health Problems of Carpenters and an Ergonomic Intervention in the Carpenter’s Hand Tool and Workstation," findings reveal that musculoskeletal disorders significantly affect various body parts during carpentry tasks. Lower back (85.55%), waist (78.52%), knee (69.14%), shoulder (69.14%), and neck (61.72%) are reported as the most affected body segments during carpentry work. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is notably higher in specific body parts. Across all carpentry tasks, issues in the lower back, wrist, and knee are prevalent, with chiseling and planning tasks exhibiting a particularly high incidence of problems. Saw operators, in particular, face significant challenges related to knee problems. Lower back problems are highly prevalent among chisel users (95.12%) and plane users (86.21%).
This current study contributes to our understanding of the socio-economic conditions of the Badiger community in Gadag Taluk, Gadag district, Karnataka state. It sheds light on the challenges faced by carpenters in the region, aligning with broader discussions on the socio-economic factors influencing the well-being and occupational health of artisans.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Methodology
The study adopts a survey method conducted in Gadag Taluk villages, initially selecting 67 villages. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured schedules provided valuable insights into the lives, challenges, and contributions of the Vishwakarma community.
Vishwakarma community
The Vishwakarma community comprises five subgroups, each excelling in distinctive professions. The occupations of these subgroups significantly contribute to India's architectural and aesthetic heritage. The Kammari (Blacksmith), Vadrangi (Carpenter), Kanchari (Bronzesmith), Shilpi (Stonemasons), and Swarnakaari (Goldsmith) play crucial roles in various aspects of daily life, from agriculture and industry to cultural and religious practices.
Socio-economic Status of the Badiger Community:
Carpentry stands as a time-honored profession within the Badiger community, characterized by the traditional use of natural wood. This skilled craftsmanship not only involves reliance on customary materials but also showcases the carpenters' proficiency in crafting tools for practical purposes, such as weapons and shelter.
Challenges Faced by the Badiger Community:
The art of carpentry, integral to the Vishwakarma community, has encountered a decline in its traditional craftsmanship due to the adoption of advanced machinery. This shift has led to the diminishing regional distinctiveness of carpentry, assimilating it into the broader trends of urban cultures.
Contribution of the Badiger Community to Society:
Over time, the Badiger community has leveraged its expertise to create essential elements for agriculture, homes, culture, and entertainment within their communities. In an era when carpentry lacked sophisticated tools, Badiger carpenters would diligently shape trees through drilling to produce farming implements. Emphasizing the longevity of goods made from specific trees, such as Joli, Karijali, Neem, and Sandi for agricultural tools, and Mango, Neem, Teak, Honne, Bete, Coconut, Arabevu, Nandi, and Bari for home and cultural implements, Badiger carpenters played a crucial role in guiding other communities toward sustainable practices. This process involved assessing the wood's qualities, determining suitable tools, and considering the substance's formability, ensuring a comprehensive approach to carpentry. Despite advancements, the intrinsic connection between the materials sourced and the final product's durability remains a testament to the Badiger community's significant contributions to society.
Table1: Information about carpentry age
|
Age |
Frequency ( N=125 ) |
Percentage ( % ) |
|
18-25 |
00 |
00 |
|
26-35 |
54 |
43.2 |
|
36-45 |
60 |
48 |
|
46-60 |
11 |
8.8 |
|
Total |
N=125 |
100 |
This table includes information about the age of the informants, it can be seen that 18-25 age group is 0%, 26-35 age group is 43.2%, 36-45 age group is 48.%, 46-60 age group is 8.8%. The highest number of 41-60 age group in this profession is 48.3% while the lowest number of 6-80 age group is 8.8%, it can be seen from this table that 41-60 age group is the most in this profession which is plotted on the map.
Table 2: Information about the types of meals of carpentry
|
Types of food |
Frequency ( N=125 ) |
Percentage (%) |
|
Veg |
95 |
76 |
|
Nonveg |
00 |
00 |
|
Both |
20 |
24 |
|
Total |
N=125 |
100 |
The above mentioned table depicts that information on the type of meals of Badiger community. 76% of the informants follow veg type of food, percent of the informants follow nonvegtype of food while 24% of the informants follow both types of food . The eating habits of badiger community have seen a change. A carnivore herbivore of two layered system.
Table 3: Information about Castes of badiger community.
|
Cast |
Frequency ( N=100 ) |
Percentage ( % ) |
|
Carpentar |
1 |
0.8 |
|
Jangam |
00 |
00 |
|
Vishwakarm |
15 |
12 |
|
Panchal |
109 |
87.2 |
|
Total |
N=125 |
s100 |
The above mentioned table contains information about the castes of badiger community. The high percentages of people are panchal of 87.2% in gadag taluk, and low percentage of people of are badiger 0.8% . badiger community is found in some villages and some rural areas, work by some castes in Badiger community.
Table 4: Information on health issues in the carpentry profession
|
Health Issues |
Frequency (N=125) |
Percentage ( % ) |
|
Diabetic |
11 |
8.8 |
|
Blood pressure(BP) |
28 |
22.4 |
|
Ophthalmological issues |
10 |
8 |
|
Hearing problem |
1 |
0.8 |
|
Heart problem |
0 |
0 |
|
Bone problem |
35 |
28 |
|
Allergy |
2 |
1.6 |
|
Wheezing |
35 |
28 |
|
Others |
3 |
2.4 |
|
Total |
N=125 |
100% |
The above table depicts that the majority of respondents 22.4%have Hypertension issues. Diabetic problems affect 8.8% of those given answer to questions. 8% of those participated in this study have ophthalmological problems. 0.8% of respondents participated have hearing problems. 28% of respondents participated in the study have bone-related health issues. 2.4% of respondents have no health concerns.
Table 5: income about professions of Badiger community.
|
Income |
Frequency (N=100 ) |
Percentage (%) |
|
0-5000 |
4 |
3.2 |
|
50001-10000 |
24 |
19.2 |
|
10000-15000 |
34 |
27.2 |
|
15001-20000 |
30 |
24 |
|
20001-25000 |
33 |
26.4 |
|
Total |
125 |
100 % |
The above table provides information about the type of total income of Badiger community. 3.2 % of respondents about family income is 0-5000, and 19.2% of informants income in the age group of 27.2%, 20001-25000 26.4%, informants income in the age group.
Suggestions for the Development of the Badiger Community:
Conclusion:
The Badigera community, residing in Karnataka, exhibits a unique blend of social, cultural, and religious practices that set them apart. Despite the distinctiveness, there are commonalities that bind them together. The Badigera community's contributions extend beyond individual households, positively impacting various aspects of society. To further uplift and empower this community, the implementation of the suggested measures can play a pivotal role in fostering their holistic development.
Acknowledgment:
I am exremely thankful to our Vice Chancellor Prof.Vishnukanth Chatapalli and Registrar
Prof.Basavaraj Lakkannavar of Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Garage for providing an opportunity .And I would like to thank our supervisor Dr.Lingaraj Niduvani for their support, guidence, motivation to complete and build confidence and I would like to thank all members of Badiger Community for providing information and for their support and I also thankful to all faculties and students of MSW Programme for their support and guidance.
References: