From Tradition To Trade: Analyzing The Role Of Matak Community Costumes In Entrepreneurship Development In Assam’s Dibrugarh District

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of cultural heritage and economic development by examining how the traditional costumes of the Matak community contribute to entrepreneurship in Assam’s Dibrugarh districts. The Matak community, known for its rich cultural identity and distinctive textile traditions, holds significant potential for cultural based entrepreneurial ventures. The research investigates the traditional costume making practices, their symbolic and social relevance, and how these practices are being adopted into sustainable business models by local artisans and entrepreneurs. Using a mixed-methods approach, including field surveys, the study highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by community members in commercializing cultural attire. The objectives of the paper are to examine the traditional costume-making practices of the Matak community and understand their cultural, symbolic, and social significance. To analyze the role of traditional attire in promoting entrepreneurship among local artisans and community members in Dibrugarh district and try to identify the challenges and opportunities in commercializing Matak traditional costumes and to suggest strategies for enhancing their market potential and sustainability as cultural enterprises.

The findings suggests that with appropriate policy support, skill development and market access, the traditional costume industry can serve as a powerful catalyst for rural entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation in the region. The paper concludes by offering recommendations to enhance the visibility and viability of such heritage based enterprises.