The story
The craft took shape at Sriniketan, the rural reconstruction centre started by Rabindranath Tagore, where artisans were trained to make decorated leather articles. Its hallmark is embossed and dyed leather with batik-like patterns. Today it is a GI-registered craft made by small units and cooperatives around Bolpur.
In numbers
The Shantiniketan leather goods cluster had 90 functional units, a turnover of Rs. 11 crore, exports of Rs. 3.5 crore and employment of 5,500.
Brief Industrial Profile of Birbhum District, MSME-DI Kolkata, Ministry of MSME · 2012
GI tag
- Santiniketan Leather GoodsApplication no. Application No. 104Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
Ways in for a newcomer
- Sell GI-tagged leather goods online and to museum shops
- Design new products (laptop sleeves, phone cases) with local artisans
- Supply dyes, leather and fittings to small units
Problems the cluster faces
- Imitation products using the Santiniketan name
- Rising leather prices
- Weak branding and marketing
Businesses to start here
Leather Bag Making →Leather Purse Making →Online Folk Art and Art Gallery Marketplace →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →