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Geetanjali Maharana

Textile artisan

Artisan

2025

Geetanjali Maharana is a 50-year-old textile artisan and master crafter based in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, Odisha. She began learning the craft a decade ago through community mentorship, acquiring skills through observation and sustained engagement with materials. Working primarily with textiles and tools such as needle and thread, her practice reflects acquired knowledge alongside adaptations developed over time. The craft holds cultural and social significance within its community and is closely tied to everyday use, shaped by local resources and seasonal rhythms. Economically, Geetanjali Maharana sustains her livelihood through local markets, collectives while negotiating challenges such as material scarcity, market pressures, or lack of showcase opportunities. Committed to the continuity of the tradition, she emphasizes the importance of transmitting skills and knowledge to younger generations while responding to contemporary conditions.

Geetanjali Maharana, textile artisan and master crafter from Phulbani, Kandhamal district, Odisha, creating handcrafted textile products and preserving traditional craft knowledge through community-based practice

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