Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Role of SC, ST, OBC, and General Artisans in Contemporary Indian Society

India’s rich cultural heritage is deeply embedded in its traditional crafts, which are sustained by artisans belonging to diverse social categories, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and General communities. This study explores the role of these artisans in preserving cultural heritage in contemporary Indian society through an empirical investigation conducted at the ‘Gandhi Shilp Bazaar’, Nadia, West Bengal, organized by ‘Kalyani Town Club’ during the ‘Banga Sanskriti Utsav-2026’ (2nd January 2026 to 11th January 2026). Artisans from multiple Indian states participated, representing a wide range of crafts such as handloom textiles, terracotta, jute, metal ware, and Mithila painting. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, data were collected through interviews, observation, and informal interactions. The study reveals that while artisans play a vital role in sustaining cultural identity and traditional knowledge systems, they face significant socio-economic challenges, including limited market access, financial instability, and competition from industrial products. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support, inclusive policies, and market integration for ensuring the sustainability of traditional crafts. The study contributes to ongoing discourse on cultural preservation and social equity in India.