Crafting empowerment through Madhubani painting: the journey of rural women artisans

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to unveil the realities of Madhubani painting women artisans in the Mithila region of Bihar. It delves into the theory of capitalism concerning women artisans and their challenges and explores potential avenues for empowerment. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing an interpretative qualitative technique, the research focused on Madhubani Painting Women Artisans of Bihar. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, and the resulting data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The findings revealed 22 sub-themes grouped into five themes. The first three themes are based on the theory of capitalism, including human, social and economic capital related to Madhubani painting women artisans. The following two themes included challenges faced by women artisans and notable opportunities within an emerging market. Research limitations/implications The geographical focus, reliance on qualitative data, limited stakeholder perspectives and short timeframe may restrict the generalizability, breadth of insights and long-term impact assessment, highlighting the need for broader future research. Practical implications This research implies that there is a need to enhance digital skills, boost IT infrastructure and continuous support from the government to empower rural women artisans, fostering economic growth, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation in the handicraft sector. Originality/value This research contributes to the limited body of knowledge regarding the experiences of women artisans, shedding light on the unique themes and subthemes. The study underscores the significance of preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage while striving for improved economic empowerment and social inclusion.

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