Koderma Artisans Keep Ancestral Bamboo Craft Alive Despite Growing Plastic Dominance Around 30 to 40 Bansphod families along the Ranchi-Patna Highway in Koderma continue their generations-old bamboo craft, defying low earnings caused by the spread of cheap plastic items. In Koderma district of Jharkhand, a traditional craftsmanship tradition is fighting a quiet battle against the overwhelming rise of modern plastic goods. While synthetic and plastic items have penetrated almost every household, local artisans belonging to the Bansphod community remain dedicated to preserving their ancestral legacy. Situated along the Ranchi-Patna National Highway in Ward Number 7 of the Municipal Council area, around 30 to 40 families have been earning their living for generations by shaping raw bamboo into functional handcrafted items. In their skilled hands, bamboo turns into indispensable articles used daily as well as in religious rituals and cultural ceremonies. Heritage of Bamboo Craftsmanship in Koderma For these artisan families, bamboo is far more than mere timber; it is the cornerstone of their heritage and financial sustenance. Every morning outside their dwellings near the highway, the rhythmic sound of cutting and splitting bamboo fills the air. Both men and women participate equally in this daily labor, keeping their traditional art alive through shared effort. The items crafted by them include traditional winnowing trays known as Soop, large ritual baskets called Daura, standard baskets, small containers called Daliya, flat woven trays known as Dala, hand fans, and chicken coops termed Murga Tokra. These handcrafted goods represent an integral part of regional culture and household utility. Intricate and Hazardous Process of Bamboo Crafting While the finished products look simple and natural, creating them requires intense physical labor and precise technique. Local craftsperson Sunita Turi explains that this skill has been passed down through generations within their families. The manufacturing process begins by sourcing fresh green bamboo from surrounding rural villages. After selecting and trimming the stalks, artisans use a specialized sharp iron tool to split the bamboo into uniform, flexible thin strips. This splitting phase involves considerable personal risk. A small slip of the hand while handling the sharp iron tool or the freshly split bamboo can inflict severe cuts and injuries. Consequently, artisans must work with extreme caution and focus. Once the thin strips are ready, they are intricately woven and shaped by hand. Hours of manual labor go into completing a single item. Women in the community work side by side with men throughout the day, sharing every stage of the preparation and weaving process. Impact of Growing Plastic Usage on Traditional Business The influx of cheap plastic alternatives into local markets has severely disrupted this traditional economy. According to Sunita Turi, demand for bamboo items was consistently high in earlier years, allowing families to earn a comfortable income. However, modern consumers increasingly prefer plastic products due to their wide availability and lower prices. This shift in buying habits has driven down sales of bamboo products, directly squeezing the daily earnings of artisan households. Despite diminishing profits and rising financial stress, these families refuse to abandon their hereditary trade. They strongly believe that bamboo products are eco-friendly and deeply connected to traditional values, offering a clean alternative to environmentally damaging plastic waste. Affordable Pricing and Appeal to Support Local Artisans The prices set by the Bansphod families remain accessible to everyday consumers. A handmade bamboo fan is sold for approximately 20 rupees, while a Daliya costs around 40 rupees and a Soop is priced near 50 rupees. Additionally, a Dala is available for 80 rupees, a standard basket for 100 rupees, and larger items like a Daura or a Murga Tokra cost around 200 rupees each. Despite such reasonable pricing, sales continue to lag due to competition from synthetic goods. Addressing this challenge, Sunita Turi has urged citizens to choose locally handcrafted goods over mass-produced plastic items. She emphasized that supporting local artisans helps preserve an ancient craft while securing the essential livelihood of dozens of families who have depended on this trade for generations. What this means for you The situation of bamboo artisans in Koderma highlights the practical importance of choosing eco-friendly alternatives to sustain traditional livelihoods. • Across India: Opting for handmade bamboo products over single-use plastics helps reduce environmental pollution and promotes sustainable consumer habits. Supporting rural crafts directly strengthens local micro-economies across the country. • In Koderma and Jharkhand: Purchasing items directly from the 30 to 40 Bansphod families in Ward 7 along the highway safeguards their traditional earnings. Buying products priced between 20 rupees and 200 rupees preserves an indigenous art form from disappearing. Why this happened The crisis facing the traditional bamboo trade stems primarily from the widespread availability of cheap, mass-produced plastic goods. • Plastic Market Expansion: Industrial manufacturing has flooded markets with inexpensive plastic utensils, leading budget-conscious consumers away from natural products. • High Manual Labor and Risk: Crafting bamboo items requires hours of hazardous manual splitting and weaving, unlike factory-made plastic items produced instantly at low cost. • Cultural and Livelihood Retention: Despite declining revenues, the Bansphod community continues the craft because it represents their multi-generational identity and primary source of income. Questions & Answers 1. Where are the bamboo artisan families located in Koderma? These families reside along the Ranchi-Patna National Highway in Ward Number 7 of the Municipal Council area in Koderma district. 2. What products do these artisans craft from bamboo? They make everyday utility and ritual items including winnowing trays (Soop), large baskets (Daura), standard baskets, fans, Dala, Daliya, and chicken coops (Murga Tokra). 3. How much do these handcrafted bamboo items cost? Prices range between 20 rupees and 200 rupees. For example, a bamboo fan costs 20 rupees, a Daliya costs 40 rupees, a Soop costs 50 rupees, and a Daura costs 200 rupees. 4. What is the biggest challenge faced by these artisans? The heavy market influx of cheap and convenient plastic products has significantly reduced consumer demand and income for bamboo craftspeople. Inspiration & Lessons The story of Koderma's Bansphod families offers valuable lessons in resilience, dedication to craft, and sustainable living. • Commitment to Heritage: Remaining devoted to traditional skills despite severe financial constraints and market competition. • Gender Partnership in Labor: Men and women working shoulder to shoulder to maintain family income and preserve artistic traditions. • Environmental Consciousness: Prioritizing organic and biodegradable materials over polluting synthetic alternatives. • Dignity of Hard Work: Earning an honest living by crafting affordable utility items through meticulous manual labor. https://trendkia.com/en/jharkhand/plastika-ke-barhate-dabadabe-ke-bavajuda-koderma-men-bansa-kala-ki-virasata-saheja-rahe-hain-bansphod-parivara-29952 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.