Jaipur’s centuries-old lac bangle industry is casting a vibrant hue on the Indian and international fashion scene. These intricately crafted bangles, adorned with lacquer work, are winning hearts, making Jaipur the epicenter of this fascinating tradition. While the lac bangle industry remains largely unorganized, it’s thriving, with an estimated worth of around Rs 75-80 crore. Let’s delve into the resplendent world of Jaipur’s lac bangles.
Jaipur’s Lac Bangles: A Craft of Tradition and Innovation
The lac bangle industry in Jaipur boasts a rich heritage dating back 250 years. Crafted by skilled artisans, these bangles hold a unique charm that combines tradition with innovation. These bangles incorporate lac, a sticky substance produced by certain insects, primarily used for varnishes, dyes, and sealing wax. What sets them apart is their finesse in lacquer work on glass bangles, a recent innovation that has captured the imagination of buyers.
Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad is renowned for its glass bangles, but Jaipur’s artisans have added a distinctive twist by introducing lacquer work on glass bangles. The exquisite craftsmanship has resonated with buyers, helping Jaipur carve a niche in the world of bangles.
Hidden Gem with a Flourishing Future
Despite being primarily unorganized, the lac bangle industry in Jaipur is flourishing, even without official data on its market size. It’s estimated that Jaipur alone contributes significantly to the industry’s worth. Over 500 traders are engaged in the business, while approximately 20,000 artisans are directly or indirectly involved.
According to Dharam Saini, a lac bangle trader, the industry experienced a temporary setback during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s now rebounding with an impressive growth rate of at least 15-20%.
National and Global Appeal
Lac bangles are not only sought after by Indians but also by international visitors. Tourists visiting Jaipur often purchase lac bangles as souvenirs or adorn them themselves. The demand extends across India, with significant orders originating from states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Now, even the southern states are beginning to place orders, indicating the broad appeal of these bangles.
Festivals like Diwali witness an exceptional surge in demand for lac bangles. Vinod Kumar Bhagtani, a lac bangle trader, notes that during such festivities, orders pour in from all corners of the country. These occasions alone bring business equivalent to an entire year, underscoring the cultural significance of lac bangles.
The lac bangle industry also plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities to thousands of artisans. Remarkably, its exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has provided a lifeline to this thriving tradition, preserving it for future generations.
