The pottery has a unique pale creamy colour which is complemented with mirrorwork and motifs.

Janakiben, who has come to the fair with her bead jewellery, said her job was demanding and just about provided her and her family two square meals.

'We're rich in our art forms, but monetarily we are poor. But we love our art form. Janakiben, who makes jewellery from tiny coloured beads, is also from Chhota Udaipur taluk.

'It takes me more than three hours to make a simple necklace. They have become very popular and are in great demand,' she smiled.

In India, the crafts sector is still the second largest provider of employment after agriculture, and a number of agricultural communities depend on crafts for their survival in periods of drought, famine or natural disasters. Many poor Indians have succeeded in earning their bread and butter by practising their craft.

'In India, which has a rich cultural heritage, the arts and crafts can contribute significantly towards the national economy and in raising the standard of living. However, that can happen only if artisans are supported well by the government,' said an official of Gurjari.

'As craft items with 'ethnic' motifs have become a hobbyhorse for the elite, a whole industry has grown around them in which the craftspersons themselves are the last and least to be rewarded as middlemen take away all the commissions,' added the official, who did not wish to be named.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)