Kamli tribes handicrafts of Rajasthan: Weaving livelihood with dignity

Namrata Primary Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Udaipur, registered on February 2, 2018, is a small organisation working for the socio-economic upliftment and development of Janajatiya women living in remote areas of Rajasthan. It seeks to uphold their self-esteem and dignity through self-reliance, education and cultural activities, leading to their all-round development. The society conducts several activities to enhance the women’s inherent artistic abilities and skills, channelising their energy into productive and creative work. Kamli Tribes is a brand representing an exclusive collection of high-quality handicrafts made by skilled and trained craftswomen. Hand embroidery adds delicacy and grace to the products while supporting small-scale industry and strengthening women. Every contribution can help a woman such as Nirmala provide milk for her child and two meals a day for her family living below the poverty line. It can also enable a young girl to complete her education and pursue her aspirations, while helping older people access better medical facilities and look forward to a more secure life. A Growing Network Kamli began with a group of five women working in a small room, with the objective of improving the socio-economic status of women in the Janajatiya belt by using their indigenous skills, such as hand stitching and embroidery. The initiative seeks to protect their identity and uphold their self-esteem and dignity through self-reliance, education and cultural activities, while guiding them towards all-round development. Headquartered in Udaipur, Kamli has, since its inception, grown into a network of more than 200 women working in and around the Janajatiya areas of Udaipur, including Jhadol, Kherwara, Dungarpur and Gogunda. The Kamli product range includes children’s board games, different kinds of bags for various occasions, envelopes and covers, stationery items such as diaries and folders, belts, clutches, jewellery, festive products such as rakhis and festoons (Torans), and everyday utility items such as keychains, trays, coasters and wooden boxes. All the products are made using either jute or wood as the base, with different hand-embroidery techniques. Kamli currently operates as a brand under Namrata Primary Women Multipurpose Co-operative Society. Skills Into Livelihoods Kamli is more than just a brand; it is an initiative promoting self-sustenance through local art and craft skills. By training women in small groups across the Janajatiya regions around Udaipur, the organisation seeks to engage them in local crafts and skills and help them earn a livelihood. Kamli strives to develop eco-sustainable products while maintaining high-quality standards and adhering to committed delivery timelines. Over time, field representatives take charge of their respective groups and assume responsibility for managing the entire field-production process. They also represent their groups at various exhibitions, gradually stepping into managerial roles. They are further encouraged to participate in design development and increase their contribution to the initiative. This not only strengthens their economic stability but, more importantly, builds their confidence and gives greater meaning to their lives. Strength In Collective Effort Kamli has witnessed outstanding individual contributions over the years. The success of one group inspires and motivates others, helping the network expand and reach more women. The organisation believes in leading by example and ensuring that every individual receives a fair share of the contribution made. For individual women, receiving cash for their efforts and being able to contribute to their families is immensely encouraging. This support is particularly valuable when meeting expenses related to weddings, medical needs and children’s education. As several women become proficient in the skills taught to them, the creativity they discover enriches their lives in ways that go beyond monetary gains. The magic of colours and threadwork demonstrates the wonders that can be achieved through human hands—an outcome that KAMLI also seeks to promote. Sustaining Against Challenges The enterprise was started and continues to be run through the efforts of volunteers. With a core team of eight women, the organisation has remained self-sustaining and has weathered challenges, including the pandemic. Developing artistic and craft skills among Janajatiya communities, many of whose members struggle to meet even their basic needs, has presented several challenges. Limited resources and minimal access to education have made the task particularly difficult. Building trust in the institution among local communities was not easy initially. Mobility was another challenge, as women had to travel to the city for training and other requirements. Innovation Through Design Kamli is a product-driven organisation, with design at the core of its work. Developing specialised product ranges that are well suited to the market, widely accepted and appreciated, and capable of providing sustained and increased incomes to participating women has remained its central focus. Its products have simple production cycles and are designed to meet everyday needs. Through its work, Kamli is demonstrating how traditional skills can become a source of livelihood, dignity and self-reliance for Janajatiya women. By nurturing local craftsmanship and creating opportunities for women to grow, the initiative is not only preserving indigenous art but also helping build a more confident and economically strengthened community. Ek Rakhi Sainik Ke Naam.