Gujarat Tourism
Development of Bamboo and Cane Culture in ASSAM
Introduction
Assam is one of the richest state in India in source of bamboos and canes of various species. Bamboo is a raw material of great flexibility and forms of the fundamental parts of the lifestyle and culture of Assam. Extensive use of wood over the ages for furniture and other products has challenged the environment more than ever before. The population of trees and forests is ever receding. This increasing need for wood has been beautifully supplemented by cane and bamboo. These eco-friendly products are light in weight and have their own style and elegance. Mizo Hills, Cachar, Mikir and North Cachar Hills, Nowgong and Lakhimpur districts are richest are in availability of raw materials for Bamboo and Cane Culture of Assam. The manufacturing or production of bamboo and cane products is perhaps the most universal of all the crafts practiced by a large number of artisans scattered throughout the State.
This industry has shaped for itself an important place among the handicrafts of the State. It provides part time employment to the cultivators in their spare time, and full time employment to the few highly skilled artisans who produce only fine decorative baskets, furniture and mats on a commercial basis. Almost 51% species of bamboo grow in Assam and they are being used for diverse purposes, mainly for buildings, furniture and diverse contraptions.
History of Cane and Bamboo
It is assumed that the craft was practiced since the misty past with the very dawn of civilization. In the early period in Assam, bamboo was held with special reference and is forbidden to cut in “auspicious days”. It is a general belief that bamboo possesses auspicious character and is of religious significance. An idea about the developing state of cane and bamboo products of Assam was fond even during the time of Bhaskara Varman (early part of the 7th century A.D.), the king of Assam, may be had from the following extract. (An
Introduction
Assam is one of the richest state in India in source of bamboos and canes of various species. Bamboo is a raw material of great flexibility and forms of the fundamental parts of the lifestyle and culture of Assam. Extensive use of wood over the ages for furniture and other products has challenged the environment more than ever before. The population of trees and forests is ever receding. This increasing need for wood has been beautifully supplemented by cane and bamboo. These eco-friendly products are light in weight and have their own style and elegance. Mizo Hills, Cachar, Mikir and North Cachar Hills, Nowgong and Lakhimpur districts are richest are in availability of raw materials for Bamboo and Cane Culture of Assam. The manufacturing or production of bamboo and cane products is perhaps the most universal of all the crafts practiced by a large number of artisans scattered throughout the State.
This industry has shaped for itself an important place among the handicrafts of the State. It provides part time employment to the cultivators in their spare time, and full time employment to the few highly skilled artisans who produce only fine decorative baskets, furniture and mats on a commercial basis. Almost 51% species of bamboo grow in Assam and they are being used for diverse purposes, mainly for buildings, furniture and diverse contraptions.
History of Cane and Bamboo
It is assumed that the craft was practiced since the misty past with the very dawn of civilization. In the early period in Assam, bamboo was held with special reference and is forbidden to cut in “auspicious days”. It is a general belief that bamboo possesses auspicious character and is of religious significance. An idea about the developing state of cane and bamboo products of Assam was fond even during the time of Bhaskara Varman (early part of the 7th century A.D.), the king of Assam, may be had from the following extract. (An