Exploring the Digital Spaces of Women Artisans in <i>Kashida</i> Crafts: Case Stories From Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan

Kashida crafts (hand embroidery) have been practiced for centuries and have a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, with the advent of modern technology, changing trends in fashion, and the thriving markets of machine-made craft products, handmade crafts such as Kashida are progressively losing their relevance in recent times. The paper aims at exploring the perspectives, narratives, challenges and barriers of women artisans of the desert in adopting the digital ecosystem for their craft. The paper follows a qualitative approach and undertakes thematic analysis from the case of 10 women artisans to draw inferences on critical factors, bottlenecks and the possibilities of strengthening the digital spaces. The findings reveal that there is financial instability and a generational gap in digital literacy. Overcoming these barriers can empower artisans to utilize digital platforms for wider reach and cultural preservation.