Nepura
Nepura,four km from the remainsof ancient Nalanda universityand nine km from Rajgir
the first capital of Magadhan empire, has emerged as one of the few centres of traditional art
villages in the country.
UNDP has identified Nepurafor its new project, 'EndigenousTourism',which is to be executed in collaboration with the Government of India's ministry of tourism for promoting local
crafts and culture. One of the 15 rural tourism destinations in the country, Nepura is the lone
village in Bihar which has been selected for the project. This village is likely to be opened for
visitors by the end of 2008.
The 50-odd families of Nepur have retained their age-old traditional art of 'Tassar' silk
weaving, which was very popular in Buddhist times. Young girls and women rubbing silk yarn on their
highs to make it a oft thread is a common sight in the village. Charkha" is also
here in most of he houses here. Only recently, Nepura women showcased their artistic skills at Toshali Art Exhibition in
Orissa. "The then culture minister of India, Ambika Soni, appreciated our skills," said Kamla
Devi, an artist.
The formation of women's cooperative in the village has made the women self supporting as they sell their products through a marketing network. "Some of our products, like the
monk's bag, are in great demand," said Rupa, another artist.
Two Nepura women Sushila and Malti travelled to Singapore to showcase their artistic skills at an exhibition, "India @60", organised by India's tourism ministry in Singapore from
Aprils to 7, 2008. The two were among the eight artisans selected from across the country to
participate in the exhibition.
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