The Struggle of Recognition
An Emotional Opening
Early morning in a Telangana village.The sun rises slowly, lighting up red soil and tiled roofs. A man sits near his doorway, grinding natural colours on a stone. His hands move with confidence, but his eyes carry a quiet question.
“Will anyone see this today?”
He paints not for applause, not for fame. Yet somewhere deep inside, he hopes his work will be noticed—not as decoration, but as life.
This is the daily struggle of recognition.
Cultural & Historical Background
Telangana’s folk art grew from people’s lives.
Arts like Cheriyal paintings, wall murals, and narrative scrolls were created to explain stories, beliefs, and history. They were respected in villages. Painters were storytellers. Their work held value beyond money.
These crafts shaped Telangana’s identity. They showed courage, humour, devotion, and resilience. Recognition came naturally—through listening, sharing, and remembering.
The Making Process (Simple & Poetic)
The process begins before sunrise.
The artisan prepares the surface with care. Cloth is cleaned, layered, dried. Natural colours are mixed—red from soil, white from stone, black from soot.
The brush moves slowly. Figures appear one by one. Stories unfold in silence.
Each painting carries hours of labour and years of learning.Yet when finished, it waits—quietly.
Stories of the Craftsmen
Most craftsmen learned this art by watching elders.
They grew up inside stories. They painted what they lived. Their pride was silent. Their reward was respect.
Today, many still work with the same dedication. They sit for hours, bent over their art, without knowing if their effort will be understood.
Recognition, when it comes, is rare—but deeply felt.
Current Struggles
The world has changed.
Fast markets want fast art. Printed images replace hand-made work. Prices fall. Middlemen decide value.
Many artisans struggle to earn enough. Young people hesitate to continue. Recognition is often delayed or denied.
The pain is not just financial—it is emotional.
Govt Initiatives & Ground Reality
The government has introduced schemes, GI tags, exhibitions, and awards. Some artisans gain visibility and pride.
But many remain unseen. Access is uneven. Recognition reaches a few, not all.
The gap between effort and acknowledgement remains wide.
Why This Craft Matters Today
This craft matters because it holds truth.
It carries identity, sustainability, and history. It connects generations and teaches patience.
Recognition is not just about awards—it is about understanding.
Customer Perspective
When someone learns the story behind a piece, their respect deepens.
They see the human behind the art. They feel connection, not just beauty.
Recognition begins with awareness.
Closing Emotional Paragraph
The struggle of recognition is not a demand.It is a quiet hope.
A hope that someone will pause.Look closely.And say, “This matters.”
When we choose to see artisans—not just their art—we give recognition where it truly belongs.
And in that moment, Telangana’s living heritage stands a little taller, with dignity intact.
To know more about this living heritage, visit: https://bathikpaintingsiddipet.com
Related Craft Links (Explore & Learn)
https://cheriyalscrollpainting.com
https://ikathnalgonda.com
https://lacbanglescharminar.com
https://cottondurrieswarangal.com
https://nirmaltoycrafts.com
https://zarizardosihyderabad.com
https://handembriderynagaram.com
https://handembriderynizamabad.com
https://bobbinlacestationghanpur.com
https://banjaraembroiderytg.com
Telangana, the youngest state in India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and world-famous handicrafts. Its traditional arts include Cheriyal Paintings, Nirmal Toys, hand embroidery (Nagaram, Nizamabad), Bobbin Lace, Banjara Embroidery, Zari–Zardozi, cotton durries, lac bangles, Baithak paintings, Ikat, pearl jewellery, intricate stone carvings, and hand-printed cotton textiles, each deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.
The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), under the Ministry of Textiles, aims to holistically develop handicraft clusters across India, including Telangana.
Supported by: The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the nodal agency for promoting and developing the Indian handicrafts sector, focused on artisan empowerment, market expansion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Executed by: The Andhra Pradesh Productivity Council (APPC), an autonomous non-profit organization established in 1958 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, implementing the project in Telangana through consultancy, micro-enterprise development, skill development, training, surveys, energy audits, and rural livelihood initiatives.
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