This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Culture's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1268, concerning the promotion of indigenous arts of Odisha, specifically Pattachitra, Pipili appliqué work, Tarakasi silver filigree, and Dhokra metal casting. The response, provided by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, indicates the following:
* **UNESCO/National Recognition:** While these art forms have not been formally recognized under the UNESCO or national intangible heritage list, the Ministry of Culture, through the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), is the nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and examines proposals for inclusion/nomination to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
* **Funding and Grants:** The response does not provide specific details on funding or grants extended for the preservation, training, and international showcasing of these crafts from Odisha during the last five years or the current year, as no proposals are currently under consideration.
* **Cultural Clusters and Artisan Households:** The response does not include details on the number of cultural clusters and artisan households involved in heritage crafts in Odisha, specifically in Cuttack, Pipili, and Sambalpur.
* **National Centre for Kalinga Art and Architecture:** The response does not confirm any existing proposal for the establishment of a National Centre for Kalinga Art and Architecture to promote research, exhibitions, and documentation of Odisha's unique temple design legacy. The Ministry of Culture is open to considering detailed nomination dossiers submitted by State Parties for evaluation by the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO regarding ICH elements.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO: Member of Parliament who raised the question about the promotion of indigenous art of Odisha.
Odisha: A state in India known for its indigenous arts and crafts.
Pattachitra: A traditional, cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha.
Pipili: A town in Odisha known for its appliqué work.
Tarakasi silver filigree: A traditional silver filigree craft from Odisha.
Dhokra metal casting: A type of metal casting using the lost-wax technique, practiced in Odisha.
UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: Minister of Culture and Tourism, who provided the answer to the question.
Sangeet Natak Akademi: The nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) under the Ministry of Culture.
Cuttack, Odisha: A district in Odisha known for heritage crafts.
Sambalpur, Odisha: A district in Odisha known for heritage crafts.
National Centre for Kalinga Art and Architecture: A proposed center to promote research, exhibitions, and documentation of Odisha's unique temple design legacy.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1268
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
PROMOTION OF INDIGENOUS ART OF ODISHA
1268. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:
Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:
a) whether the Government has recognised any of Odisha’s indigenous arts such as
Pattachitra, Pipili appliqué work, Tarakasi silver filigree or Dhokra metal casting under the
UNESCO or national intangible heritage list;
b) if so, the details thereof along with the funding or grants extended by the Government
for preservation, training and international showcasing of these traditional crafts from
Odisha during the last five years and the current year;
c) the details of the cultural clusters and artisan households involved in heritage crafts in
Odisha district-wise, especially in Cuttack, Pipili and Sambalpur; and
d) whether the Government has any proposal for consideration to establish a ‘National Centre
for Kalinga Art and Architecture’ to promote research, exhibitions and documentation of
Odisha’s unique temple design legacy and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
a) to (d) The Ministry of Culture, through Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) — the designated
nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) — examines proposals received from
communities and stakeholders for the inclusion/nomination of elements to UNESCO’s
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
As per the prescribed procedure, State Parties are required to submit a detailed nomination
dossier of the concerned ICH element for evaluation by the Intergovernmental Committee of
UNESCO.
At present, no such proposal is pending consideration with the Ministry.
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