Exploring demographic profile of women Kauna handicraft artisans in Manipur: An investigative study

Background: This study explores the demographic profile of women Kauna handicraft artisans in Manipur, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique and significant yet often overlooked artisan community. Kauna handicraft, a traditional craft involving the weaving of dried water reed materials, is a significant aspect of Manipur's cultural heritage. Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data on age, marital status, social caste, religion, educational background and socio-economic status of the artisans. It was carried out in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur, with a total sample of 160 women Kauna handicraft artisans selected through purposive sampling. Results: The findings of the study reveals that most women Kauna artisans are middle-aged, with 41.87% aged 46-60, while younger artisans, aged 30 or below, represent only 10.62%. A majority (54.37%) are married, with a notable portion being widows (19.37%), indicating the craft's role as a livelihood for women without familial support. In terms of social caste, the artisans are predominantly from Other Backward Classes (41.87%) and Unreserved categories (40%), with no Scheduled Tribe representation. Most artisans are Hindu (91.8%), and economically, 60.625% fall into the