I recently concluded an in-depth fieldwork session in Bagru, Rajasthan, working directly with the dedicated karigars (artisans) in the textile value chain. This article summarizes our discussions and findings regarding the core economic challenges they face. The Real Challenge: Structural Barriers The problems facing these artisans aren't small or abstract; they are structural barriers that stop the craft from reaching its true market potential and threaten its future for th

A dominant discourse in the development sector surrounding digital inclusion is the poor adoption of technology. The problem is often framed as a failure to adopt, shifting the blame onto micro and nano-enterprises themselves. The common recommendation that follows this framing is to provide digital skills training or digital literacy programs. The argument suggests that, armed with these new skills, entrepreneurs can easily navigate the digital landscape to prosperity. But e

On paper, the story of Lakshmi—a 40-year-old mother of four and wood block printing entrepreneur—sounds like a poster child for women’s economic empowerment. She runs a successful service-based business model, operates four printing tables (her own Kharkhana or workshop), and specializes in popular techniques like Daboo and Bagru print. She employs two laborers, uses both bank accounts and mobile payments, and has secured a ₹1.50 lakh loan from a bank through her savings gro

In the world of development, big data is often seen as the ultimate source of truth for making decisions. Large datasets provide the numbers we need to measure impact and design scalable interventions. But what happens when numbers tell only half the story, leading to ineffective solutions? I recently interviewed two women entrepreneurs in a craft cluster whose quantitative profiles appeared nearly identical: Both are married and live in the same town. Both are in their 40s/5

In the world of high-tech startups and venture capital, success is measured by scale, investment, and market disruption. Yet, in Bagru, Rajasthan, I met a master craftsman whose business model defies all textbook logic. His approach to hand block printing might be considered "poor strategy" by modern analysts, but his story is a masterclass in resilience and pragmatic innovation. Meet Prakash, 67, whose life embodies a successful business model built on efficiency over excess

We often hear arguments that digital payments are crucial because they create a 'data trail,' while cash is 'invisible,' thus hindering access to credit. This is a powerful and valid point, but my fieldwork suggests that for millions of household enterprises in India's informal economy, the reliance on cash is far more strategic and complex than simply a 'cash habit.' To understand this, let's look at Amit. Amit is a 21-year-old artisan from Bagru, Rajasthan. He's a digital n

In the world of business, formalization—getting a GST number, securing a bank loan, and operating with invoices—is often seen as the only path to growth. However, my research into Bagru's vibrant hand block printing community reveals a far more complex reality. For many small-scale textile artisans, the choice to remain informal is not a sign of a lack of ambition or knowledge. It’s a calculated, strategic, and often essential business decision. Here's why, from their perspec

I recall a fascinating encounter during a market research assignment some years ago with an entrepreneur who ran a fleet of concrete trucks, financed through Sundaram Finance. The defining feature of this relationship wasn't just the capital provided; it was the profound sense of partnership. As he shared, Sundaram Finance was "invested in his success." They understood that loan recovery required active support to keep his vehicles operational. This commitment extended beyond

For decades, development organizations have viewed the informal economy as a problem to be solved through formalization . The conventional wisdom suggests that by integrating informal businesses into the formal system—through bank loans, GST registration, and legal contracts—they can unlock growth, stability, and prosperity. But what if this approach fundamentally misunderstands the artisans it aims to help? My ongoing research in Bagru, a renowned hand block printing cluster

Fabric being dyed at cloth production unit The answer lies in examining the social and economic context within which the artisan operates, the business models adopted, and their skill levels. Economic Context Crafts in India have evolved specialisations and the production is distributed. When I say distributed, I mean that an individual or household does not produce an item fit for market from end to end. The individual or household may engage in only one part of the producti

Looming large: need for capital for the smallest businesses This pillar focuses on the critical financial needs of nano and micro...

Tying loose ends This pillar explores the intersection of traditional textile crafts, principles of sustainability and circularity. My...

DPI as bridge to inclusive futures This pillar explores the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a...

Artisans trapped behind digital curtains In this pillar, I delve into the complex ways artificial intelligence and various algorithms...

A key driver of women's economic empowerment is their ability to participate in the digital economy. Internet communication technologies...