When We Don’t Value Our Crafts, We Slowly Lose Them

My recent visit to Lucknow left me thinking deeply about the future of Chikankari.
There are still thousands of karigars whose hands continue to keep this beautiful craft alive. But when we look at the younger generation, very few want to continue this legacy anymore. The reason is heartbreaking yet simple — the artisan is not valued enough.
Today, markets are flooded with chikankari tops and kurtis being sold for ₹500–₹1000. But if a craftsperson is being paid fairly, if quality fabric is being used, and if authentic handwork is involved, can an outfit genuinely cost ₹500?
Somewhere, that low price comes at the cost of the artisan.
What is even more unfortunate is that such pricing creates confusion in the minds of consumers. Many people begin to believe that all chikankari should be cheap, without understanding the difference between such cheap products and thoughtfully handcrafted garments made with care, quality, and fair wages.
At Rakhi Apparels, we have always believed that craft deserves dignity. We consciously choose better fabrics, invest time in creating each piece, and most importantly, ensure that artisans are paid fairly for their skill and labour.
As consumers too, we need to become more aware and empathetic towards our crafts and craftspeople. Buying a ₹500 chikankari top may feel like a bargain, but it quietly pushes this centuries-old craft towards decline.
Ironically, many people would happily spend a fortune on a Lucknowi mukaish creation showcased by an international luxury houses yet bargain endlessly while purchasing handcrafted mukaish from a local Lucknow artisan or brand.
A recent example that sparked conversations globally was a runway coat inspired by Lucknowi mukaish work. Reports widely circulated that the coat was priced at nearly USD 200,000 — approximately ₹1.6 to ₹1.8 crore INR.

Why do we value our crafts only after the world validates them?

Our crafts are not just products. They are history, culture, identity, and the livelihood of countless skilled hands.
If we truly want Chikankari to survive for future generations, we must learn to value not only the craft, but also the people behind it.

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