Impact of Global Conflicts on Local Industries

As ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine situation continue to create global turmoil, the ripple effects have reached Amritsar's renowned chess manufacturing sector, leading to a staggering 80% drop in orders for locally crafted chess pieces this year.

The State of Amritsar's Chess Manufacturing

Known for its high-quality wooden chess sets, Amritsar has become a chess manufacturing hub with approximately 500 skilled artisans, alongside another 1,000 semi-skilled workers. Unfortunately, the industry is now facing a crisis, with nearly half of these artisans losing their jobs as production slows from 12 hours a day to just 8. Valued at around Rs 20 crore annually, this once-thriving industry is now struggling to survive.

Artisans Speak Out

Rishi Sharma, a third-generation chess manufacturer, revealed to The Tribune the dire situation: 'Winter is the busiest season for manufacturers. Yet many of us hardly have enough work anymore.' He highlighted a significant drop in export orders from crucial markets like the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, with the holiday season—typically a peak time for sales—now looking bleak.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Amritsar chess pieces are celebrated abroad for their intricate craftsmanship, yet the lack of governmental support over the years has left this small cottage industry vulnerable. With only about 35 dedicated manufacturing units, the traditional art of chess piece carving continues to rely on master craftsmen who use basic tools to create these beautiful sets.

The Export Dilemma

Despite being popular gift items during the Western Christmas season, with prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 20,000, only 12 manufacturers engage in export. Sharma lamented, 'Successive Punjab governments have consistently ignored the promotion of handicrafts, much less encouraged chess as a competitive sport among youth.'

Regulatory Hurdles

A glimmer of hope had emerged when one of Sharma’s clients from England invited him to a chess festival at London's Trafalgar Square last year. However, the optimism is dimmed by new regulations. Surjit Singh Ahuja, another exporter in Amritsar, expressed concern over the effects of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which implemented tough rules on the sale of 'sheesham' wood in 2018. Since then, the market for his wooden products, prominently chessboards, has noticeably declined.

Economic Implications

Ahuja explained the additional burdens: 'Now, to sell our products, we’re required to fork out Rs 1.15 lakh for licensing, along with an annual audit fee of Rs 40,000.' This convoluted process demands details on every 'sheesham' tree used, increasing costs and complexities for exporters significantly.

Adaptation and Survival

The struggle for survival has led these artisans to adapt over the years. Initially, chess pieces were crafted from ivory, which was later replaced by red sandalwood, now also illegal, forcing a shift to 'sheesham.' As that option shrinks, artisans have turned to alternative woods such as ebony, boxwood, and German wood for their distinctive chess sets.

The Resurgence of Chess Interest

At one point, the global chess community experienced a resurgence in interest thanks to the hit Netflix series 'The Queen’s Gambit,' which showcased the beauty of chess. This renewed popularity briefly flooded local manufacturers with orders, with many struggling to keep up with demand.

The Uncertain Future

However, that enthusiasm felt distant in light of the current global conflicts, with many local artisans feeling like they are simply pawns in a game of unpredictable geopolitical forces.

Conclusion

As the harsh winter settles in, the future of Amritsar's chess manufacturing industry hangs in the balance, leaving a question on the lips of its craftsmen: will they find a way to sustain their legacy, or will they be swept away by circumstances beyond their control? In the game of chess, every piece counts; in the boardroom of life, so do every decision and action taken. Will Amritsar rise to the challenge? Stay tuned.