Sustaining Tradition amidst Marginalization: A Case Study of Punjabi Jutti Artisans from Low-Caste Communities in Malout, Punjab

06 Stochastic Analytical Frameworks for Indian Knowledge Systems and Innovation: Future Pathways 47 Sustaining Tradition amidst Marginalization: A Case Study of Punjabi Jutti Artisans from Low-Caste Communities in Malout, Punjab Harsh Goyal Assistant Professor, Department of Management-I, Baba Farid College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda. Abstract The Punjabi jutti industry in Malout, Punjab, represents a culturally significant yet economically marginalized craft tradition practiced largely by low-caste artisan communities. Despite the jutti’s popularity and cultural relevance, artisans face persistent challenges such as low wages, middleman exploitation, limited market access, and competition from machine-made footwear. This case study examines the historical evolution, socio-economic structure, production processes, and current challenges of the jutti craft in Malout. Through qualitative analysis of documented material and secondary literature, the study highlights the vulnerabilities experienced by artisans and proposes recommendations to preserve this traditional craft and improve livelihood sustainability. Keywords: Punjabi jutti, low-caste artisans, handicraft sector, rural livelihoods, middlemen, cultural heritage, traditional footwear. 1. Introduction The Punjabi jutti is an iconic handicraft symbolizing Punjab’s cultural richness and traditional artistry. Known for its intricate embroidery and vibrant aesthetic, the jutti is widely used in festive occasions and holds historical significance that dates back to the Mughal era. In Malout, artisans-primarily from low-caste communities-rely on jutti-making as a critical source of livelihood. This occupation, though culturally rich, is economically precarious due to structural inequalities, limited earnings, and 48 Stochastic Analytical Frameworks for Indian Knowledge Systems and Innovation: Future Pathways lack of direct access to markets. Understanding the intersection of craft, caste, and economic vulnerability is essential to evaluate the current status and future prospects of this industry. 2. Review of Literature Scholarly work on Indian handicrafts highlights how traditional artisans are often trapped in low-income cycles due to caste-based occupational structures and the dominance of middlemen. Studies by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) suggest that artisans in Punjab face challenges relating to market linkages, skill stagnation, and limited financial access. Research on Punjabi textile and footwear crafts shows that although they hold high cultural value, artisans suffer from inadequate market recognition. Literature on gender roles in crafts (Sengupta, 2018) indicates that women’s contributions are undervalued, despite their central role in embroidery and detailing work. Meanwhile, studies on globalization and craft markets (Naseem, 2020) highlight the rising threat of machine-made replicas reducing the demand for handcrafted products. These themes collectively align with the conditions faced by Malout’s jutti artisans, who struggle to sustain traditional skills amidst economic marginalization. 3. Objectives of the Study 1. To examine the socio-economic conditions of low-caste Punjabi jutti artisans in Malout. 2. To analyze the traditional production process and gender-based division of labor within the jutti-making craft. 3. To investigate the influence of middlemen on artisans’ wages, market access, and overall livelihood security. 4. Research Methodology This study uses a qualitative, document-based research approach consisting of: Stochastic Analytical Frameworks for Indian Knowledge Systems and Innovation: Future Pathways 49  Primary Document Analysis: Field-based interviews and oral narratives collected from Punjabi jutti artisans in Malout, including master craftsmen, women embroiderers, and workshop owners. These testimonies provided firsthand insights into wage patterns, production processes, caste-linked occupational constraints, and the role of middlemen in the local supply chain.  Secondary Literature Review: Reference to academic articles, government reports, and craft industry analyses.  Contextual Interpretation: Synthesizing insights on socio-economic conditions, production structures, and cultural relevance. This methodology provides an in-depth understanding of the artisanal ecosystem without field-based data collection. 5. Analysis Socio-Economic Profile of Artisans Artisans come primarily from low-caste communities historically associated with leatherwork. Their income is based on piece-rate wages, averaging Rs. 80-150 per jutti. Monthly earnings range between Rs. 8,000-12,000, restricting upward mobility and contributing to intergenerational poverty. Production Process and Labor Division Men: Leather cutting, shaping, assembly. Women: Embroidery, beadwork, thread detailing. Children: Support work such as trimming and preparing materials. This gendered labor structure maintains cultural roles but reinforces wage inequality. Structural Dependence on Middlemen Middlemen supply raw materials and purchase completed products, controlling pricing and market access. Artisans lack bargaining power, resulting in low financial returns despite significant skill input. 50 Stochastic Analytical Frameworks for Indian Knowledge Systems and Innovation: Future Pathways Cultural and Historical Continuity The craft draws from Mughal-era footwear traditions and has integrated regional motifs inspired by phulkari designs. The historical evolution underscores the cultural richness of the craft but does not translate into economic benefit for artisans. Emerging Threats  Machine-made juttis reducing demand  Youth leaving the craft due to low income  Seasonal market fluctuations  Lack of design innovation 6. Discussion The contrast between cultural value and economic marginalization is central to understanding Malout’s jutti craft. While the jutti remains a cherished cultural symbol, artisans continue to face systemic challenges rooted in socio-economic hierarchies and market exploitation. The dominance of middlemen prevents artisans from realizing fair profits, and the lack of formal training or technological integration hinders competitiveness. Furthermore, caste-based barriers limit artisans’ access to financial resources, market opportunities, and government welfare schemes. Without intervention, the younger generation is likely to abandon this craft, risking the erosion of a cultural heritage that has survived for centuries. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from government bodies, NGOs, and market platforms to empower artisans and preserve this traditional occupation. 7. Conclusion Punjabi jutti-making in Malout is a vibrant cultural craft but remains economically fragile. Artisans face income insecurity, limited market participation, and structural inequalities. Although the craft carries historical and cultural importance, its sustainability is threatened by modern manufacturing competition and socioeconomic challenges. Stochastic Analytical Frameworks for Indian Knowledge Systems and Innovation: Future Pathways 51 Recommendations  Establish Artisan Cooperatives  Promote Digital Marketing Training  Design Innovation Workshops  Secure Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  Government Support Programs  Fair Wage Standards  Youth Engagement Initiatives References 1. Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). (n.d.). Annual report on the Indian handicraft sector. Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. 2. Sengupta, R. (2018). Gendered labor in Indian handicrafts: A study of traditional craft clusters. Journal of Rural Studies. 3. Kumar, S. (2017). Traditional footwear crafts of Punjab: Cultural identity and challenges. Indian Journal of Cultural Studies. 4. Naseem, T. (2020). Global markets and the decline of Indian handicrafts. South Asian Economic Review. 5. Singh, G. (2015). Caste, craft, and community: Socio-economic conditions of leatherworkers in Punjab. Social Change Journal. 6. Bhatia, K. (2019). Handicrafts and e-commerce: Opportunities for rural artisans. International Journal of Creative Economies.