Jharcraft looks to market products based on the Buddha

Jharcraft, a wing of the Jharkhand industries department, has plans to market different handicraft products based on Lord Buddha. The agency which has a marketing network within the state as well as the national capital, is going through all the details related to Buddha���s different expressions and moods, places of worship and their significance and based on them it plans to make wooden, terraco tta and Dokra products.

"We have already tied up with the Indian Railways for display of these small, handy products in the tourist circuit trains, which are used by a large number of people from all over the world," said Jharcraft MD Dhirendra Kumar, adding "samples are already being made for the purpose".

"Lord Buddha is known by different images in different countries like China, Thailand, Japan and Sri Lanka. We are studying those expressions. We are also studying the various historical aspects. There could also be products like paintings, wall hangings, table stands and key rings which will attract the attention of tourists," he said.

The marketing agency is also exploring possibilities of marketing similar products based on Lord Mahavir. "We are getting a few samples made which will soon be sent to Parasnath, the famous religious destination of the Jains," he said.

Jharcraft also plans to market sarees and other ladies products based on the famous Maluti temple of Dumka. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and design. "We are getting more details about the temple so that we could design our products accordingly," said Mr Kumar.

He said by picking up such themes, Jharcraft plans to touch the chord of the people. "These products enjoy high demand. And, therefore, we want to move with the times. More marketing will mean better gains for the agency as well as our weavers and artisans. This will improve their economic condition," added the official.