Context: Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC) international, will bring attention to Srinagar’s crafts and showcase its ancient techniques to the world.
The achievement follows Srinagar’s recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City for Crafts in 2021.
About World Craft City:
- Launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), to acknowledge the significant contributions of local authorities, craftspeople, and communities to cultural, economic, and social development globally.
- Previously, Indian cities such as Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore have been honoured as World Craft Cities.
World Craft Council (WCC) international:
- A Kuwait-based, non-government organisation working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally.
- It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in 1964.
- The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftsperson by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.
- It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research study, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
- The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the crafts people’s work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and tradition of its members.
- In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.
- It has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. The World Craft Council (WCC) International is a Kuwait-based non-governmental organization working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally.
2. Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was one of the founding members of the World Craft Council (WCC) International.
3. Jaipur, Malappuram, Mysore, and Srinagar have been honored as World Craft Cities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
PYQ: (2024)
Q. Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?
(a) Chhau dance
(b) Durga puja
(c) Garba dance
(d) Kumbh mela
Answer: (c)