DESIGN ARCHIEVE

Digikargha is develoing a digital knowledge repository dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting the rich craft traditions of artisan communities across India. Developed with the support of Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), the archive brings together traditional motifs, techniques, products, materials, and cultural narratives from artisan clusters, including Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh), Nuapatna and Barpali (Odisha), Assam, West Bengal, and several Geographical Indication (GI) craft locations across South India, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

Working with over 2,000 Rural Women Entrepreneurs (RWEs), Digikargha aims to safeguard traditional craft knowledge while enabling design innovation and market relevance. The archive serves as a valuable resource for artisans, designers, researchers, and craft enthusiasts by providing insights into the unique design heritage of each cluster.

Objectives

• Preserve and document traditional craft knowledge and design heritage.
• Create a resource base for design development and product innovation.
• Showcase the cultural identity and craftsmanship of artisan communities.
• Support skill transmission, research, and learning.
• Strengthen sustainable livelihoods through design-led growth and market access.