Cultural Heritage as a Tool for Youth Employment: A Study of Traditional Art and Craft in India

India’s traditional art and craft sector represents one of the largest reservoirs of cultural heritage and indigenous economic activity in the world. Historically, these practices provided sustainable livelihoods to millions of artisan communities and formed a crucial component of India’s domestic and international trade. In contemporary India, however, the sector faces declining youth participation, economic insecurity, and structural marginalization, even as youth unemployment has emerged as a pressing developmental challenge. This paper examines the role of cultural heritage—specifically traditional art and craft—as a viable and sustainable tool for youth employment in India. Using a qualitative and analytical research approach based on secondary sources, policy documents, and existing scholarly literature, the study analyzes the historical evolution of crafts, present-day challenges, state interventions, and emerging opportunities within the digital and creative economy. The paper argues that integrating traditional crafts into skill development, entrepreneurship, cultural tourism, and digital markets can transform cultural heritage into a dignified and productive employment pathway for Indian youth. Such an approach not only addresses economic concerns but also contributes to cultural preservation, social inclusion, and sustainable development.