In the Shadows

The book chronicles the lives, craft and culture of people living in six rural areas of West Bengal where the economy is driven by rather unusual professions. One cluster of craftsmen churns out wigs, others make lights, polo balls, boats, shuttlecocks and jeans. Following the original process which has been passed down generations, these craftsmen keep alive old family traditions. In the Shadows: Unknown Craftsmen of Bengal celebrates the indomitable spirit of enterprise of rural craftsmen while gently reminding us that each time a craftsman passes away, the craft moves a step closer to extinction. Contents: Introduction The Wig-makers: Village: Baniban Jagdishpur, 40 kilometres from Calcutta, Distict: Howrah, State: West Bengal The Light-makers: Town: Chandernagor; 45 kilometres from Calcutta; District: Hooghly; State: West Bengal The Polo Ball-makers: Village: Deulpur, 30 kilometres from Calcutta, District: Howrah, State: West Bengal The Boat-makers: Town: Balagarh, 90 kilometres from Calcutta, District: Hooghly, State: West Bengal, The Shuttlecock-makers: Village: Jadurberia, 40 kilometres from Calcutta, District: Howrah, State: West Bengal The Jeans-makers: Village: Chatta Kalikapur, 25 kilometres from Calcutta, District: South 24 Parganas, State: West Bengal