Published by: Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Ministry of Textiles
Aadi Anant (literal meaning primeval and infinite) documents the life and work of some 100 artisans, from across India, spanning nearly 50 stylistic genres. Based on field visits and personal interactions with the featured masters in their own working environment and space, the narrative names and figures the hitherto unsigned and unsung heroes of hand-crafted master pieces, bringing their creators onto the centerstage of the country’s eternal art-craft domain. Putting their hands, heart and soul into the incredible creations and working with readily available local material
using basic tools and facilities, the artists can be seen to breathe life into their art-craft. Creating artefacts for reverence, aesthetic pleasure, celebration, adornment,
functional use and for self-sustenance, the artisans innovate to carry forward the unique art forms passed on to them through generations in a continuum.
Encompassing folk and tribal arts and crafts, the 300-page illustrated publication authored by Sushma K Bahl also contains essays written by Ashoke Chatterjee, Ritu Sethi and Vidyun Singh. Aadi Anant: Creative Continuum & Unsung Masters book focuses on the traditions and socio-economic structures within which the artists
operate. It also highlights the various State and NGO initiatives aimed at skill development, design enhancement and marketing to support innovation and socio- economic development of the largely self-employed artisans and their crafts.
The illustrated publication contains the featured artists’ contact details besides their biographical sketches with photographs and information on their work. Presented in four distinct segments, the narrative is interspersed with thematically linked essays. The list of public, private and non-profit organizations working with the handicrafts and handloom sectors, are listed along with a bibliography and other reference documentation to make the book an insightful resource and engaging reading for a wider readership, nationally and internationally. Aadi Anant: Creative Continuum & Unsung Masters is a collectors’ delight and a reference tool that facilitates a better appreciation of the handmade in India.
