AL-AZHAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND

POLYTECHNIC
PERUMPILLICHIRA P.O, THODUPUZHA,
KERALA-685605

Certified that this is the Bonafied record of practical work done in the
community skills in Indian Knowledge System (4001) during the fourth
semester of Diploma in Computer Engineering of Al-Azhar College of
Engineering and Polytechnic.

Faculty in charge Head of Section

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 TRADTIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Despite rapid recent advances in the scientific study of genetics, it is

important to recognize that knowledge of the properties and benefits
of biological resources is not simply a modern phenomenon. For
centuries, communities around the world have learned, used and
passed on traditional knowledge about local biodiversity, and how it
can be used for a range of important purposes. From food and
medicine, clothing and shelter, to developing skills and practices for
agriculture and animal husbandry.

In the context of access and benefit-sharing, traditional knowledge

refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and
local communities (ILCs) related to genetic resources. This traditional
knowledge is developed through the experiences of communities over
centuries, adapted to local needs, cultures and environments and
passed down from generation to generation.

Traditional knowledge includes types of knowledge about traditional

technologies of subsistence (e.g. tools and techniques for hunting or
agriculture), midwifery, ethno botany and ecological knowledge,
fishing techniques, traditional medicine, celestial navigation, craft
skills, ethno astronomy, climate, animal migration patterns, water
management and others.
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
TRADITIONAL SKILLS IN KERALA

❖ Woodcarving:
❖ Kerala has a very rich tradition in the art of wood carving and the palaces and
temple are some of the finest specimens in the country. The Kerala style of
carving on the sandalwood and rosewood is quite distinct from the rest of the
country. Carvings are usually made upon sandalwood, rosewood, cedar and
teak. The most popular products are lamp stands, paper weigts, jewellery
boxes, life sized animal figures etc.

❖ Bamboo Mat Paintings

❖ Considered as one of the most popular crafts of Kerala, Bamboo

mat painting requires a superior degree of concentration and skill.
The most popular contents of the painting are animals, religious
figures, sceneries, birds, etc. The finished products look extremely
beautiful, when bamboo reed frames are attached at the top and the
bottom.

❖ Horn Carving

❖ This is an ancient craft and is practiced by the artisans of the

Vishwakarma community of Thiruvananthapuram. The most
popular products are lamps, cigarette cases, combs, flower sets,
etc.

❖ Wood Craft, Jharkhand

❖
There are dense forests surrounding the state of Jharkhand hence,
wood availability is very high. This wood is used by the artisans to
create variety of products including decoration items, wooden
spoons, wooden boxes etc.
❖ The major reason of popularity of this art form in Jharkhand is the
quality of woodcraft and they fine details they carve on the wood.
TRADITIONAL WAY
OF MAKING COIR
MAT
WE ARE VISITED PLACES…

The place I visited is a coir mat making industry located in Cherthala, Alappuzha.
As we all knew that Alappuzha is well known foe this kind of things I doesn’t have
to think about it for long about where to go for my CSI(community skills in Indian
knowledge system) academic work. In the place I visited I was able to understand
that there is no big infrastructure for this whole process, it will be all under
some organization or societies.

For an example the society will provide coconut shells to an group of people who
works in their home and make fiber, and the fiber are collected and supplied to
another group of people who make coir from this, and this are collected and
supplied to people who makes floor mat using choir.

27/02/2023
MONDAY
TRADITIONAL WAY OF MAKING COIR MAT

STEP 1: MAKE FINE FIBRE FROM THE COCONUT SHELL

The first thing you need to understand about producing coir mats in Kerala is that
you have to create coir first. The basic material used to make coir is fine fibre from
coconuts shell.

In Cherthala, Alappuzha in Kerala, I visited a location where I saw how tiny

fibers are manufactured from coconut shell.

The steps for extracting fine fiber from coconut shell are as follows:

1. Harvesting: Collecting coconuts from the coconut trees is the first stage.
The coconut's husk, (the outer layer of coconut) which is its outermost
layer, is then taken off.
2. Soaking: To soften and loosen the fibers, the husks are next submerged in
water for several months.
3. Beating: After soaking, the husks are pounded to separate the fibers from
the pith using a mallet, a wooden stick, or even hydraulic equipment.
Retting describes this procedure.
4. Detaching the fibers from the pith: After the fibers have been loosened,
they are detangled from the pith using combing and scraping. This action is
known as scutching.
5. Drying: To get rid of the moisture, the fibers are subsequently dried outside
in the sun.
STEP 2: MAKE COIR FROM THE OBTAINED FIBRE
The next stage after creating fine fiber is to turn it into coir, as was previously
explained before beginning the entire process of creating a floor mat.

1. Hackling: The fibers are further refined and strengthened through hackling.

2. Spinning: Using spinning wheels, the hackled fibers are next spun into yarn.

3. Twisting: To create strands of the desired thickness and tensile strength, the
spun yarn is twisted.

4. Coiling: To create the desired length and shape of the coir rope, the twisted
strands are next coiled.
STEP 3: MAKE FLOOR MAT USING COIR
Manufacturing the mat is the final and subsequent phase in the creation of floor
mats using coir.

➢ You must first collect coir from the community, which is produced by the
individuals who I specified in step 2

➢ You must gather information on manufacturing a product like a mat, determine

the width and height of the floor mat you are producing, and gather the
primary raw materials (coir).

➢ With the necessary equipment or tools, make rope from the coir.

➢ Retain the rope in the frame that is intended to be used to create the floor mat
and use that to create the floor mat.

➢ Stitch the floor mat after cutting a hole in it By hands.

ADVANTAGES OF USING TRADITIONAL COIR FLOOR MAT
METHODS:

➢ Eco-friendly: Another benefit of coir welcome mats is their impact on the planet. Coir
is a completely biodegradable product, meaning that once you need to throw it out,
it won’t harm the environment. It will naturally degrade and won’t pose a threat to
ay wildlife or habitats, making it an eco-friendly option

➢ Environmentally friendly: Coir floor mats are produced using sustainable and
natural materials, making them a green option. Coir is produced using the by
product of the coconut industry, the coconut husk is fibrous.

➢ Durability: So why a coir door mat? When it comes to strength, coir doormats
have exceptional longevity compared to other mats. Due to their thick, dense
material, coir doormats can handle plenty of foot traffic, holding up for much
longer than standard mats.

➢ Anti-skid: The rough surface of coir floor mats offers a solid grip and helps to
prevent slippage. As a result, using them in homes and public spaces is safer.

➢ Simple to maintain: Coir floor mats are simple to keep clean. They can be
spot cleaned with a light detergent and water, vacuumed or shook to get rid
of dirt and debris.

➢ Versatile: Coir floor mats are a flexible option for any decor because they are
available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs. These can be utilized
outdoors, in hallways, and even in entranceways.

➢ Affordability: Coir floor mats are typically less expensive than other floor
coverings, making them an economical choice for individuals on a tight
budget.
LIMITATIONS OF THE PRESENT IN TRADITIONAL COIR FLOOR MAT METHOD
FOLLOWED:

❖ Water damage: Coir is susceptible to water damage and may deteriorate

and break down if exposed to damp for an extended length of time. It is
well recognized that using coir mats in wet environments, such as
bathrooms or kitchens, is a bad idea.

❖ Staining: If coir mats come into touch with oils or other substances, they
may become stained. Because of this, they may become challenging to
keep clean and maintain over time.

❖ Shedding: Coir mats, particularly when they are fresh, can shed fibers. The
appearance could become disorganized as a result, necessitating constant
vacuuming or cleaning.

❖ Rough texture: Although coir mats' rough texture might help with traction,
some individuals find it uncomfortable to walk on. This is something to
take into account if you have sensitive feet or want a softer floor covering
alternative.

❖ Limited design options: Although coir mats come in a range of sizes and
forms, there aren't many different ways to customize their appearance.

This can make it challenging to choose a coir mat that complements your
particular interior style.

❖ Thus, while using conventional coir floor mat methods has numerous
advantages, it's crucial to understand their drawbacks before making a
purchase decision.
SUGGESTIONS THAT I CAN GIVE TO TRADITIONAL COIR FLOOR
MAT PEOPLE ARE:

Here are some recommendations you can provide to those engaged in the
production of traditional coir floor mats:

• Quality control: Stress the significance of upholding constant standards of

quality. Urge employees to thoroughly check each mat for any flaws and to
repair or dispose of any that don't adhere to the standards.
• Efficiency: Look for ways to improve the efficiency of the production
process. The arrangement of the workspace may need to be optimized,
better equipment may need to be purchased, or staff may need to be
trained in more effective methods.
• Innovation: To keep the product line intriguing and new, encourage
employees to try out novel methods or designs. This can entail
experimenting with new weaving techniques, materials, or hues.
• Customer focus: Motivate employees to give clients' wants and
preferences top priority. This could entail asking customers for feedback or
adjusting the product line to match the unique needs of various customer
groups.
• Workers in the traditional coir floor mat industry can contribute to the
development of a successful and flourishing firm by focusing on quality,
efficiency, innovation, customer attention, and sustainability.
• Sustainability: Encourage employees to think about how their
production processes affect the environment. This could entail
recycling or repurposing resources in novel ways, using eco-friendly
products, or cutting waste.
IDEAS THAT I WILL SUGGEST TO HELP IN TRADITIONAL COIR
FLOOR MAT MAKING PEOPLE:

To those who make traditional coir floor mats, the following ideas can be useful:

1. Customization: Provide clients with the choice to add distinctive

designs, colors, or logos to their coir mats. This is a terrific method to set
your product line out from the competition and develop a compelling
USP.

2. Internet presence: Establish an online presence for your business

selling coir mats by developing a website and utilizing social media to
advertise your goods. By doing so, you might be able to attract clients
from outside your immediate neighbourhood.

3. Collaborations: Create co-branded coir mats by joining up with

other companies and organizations. This could entail collaborating with a
regional artist to produce a limited edition collection or working with a
non-profit group to produce a coir mat that promotes a cause.

4. Try extending your product line beyond coir mats. This could entail
using sisal or jute along with related items like doormats and area rugs.

5. Global market: Look into possibilities for exporting your coir mats to
other countries. Investigate rules and prospective export markets, and
think about working with a distributor or export consultant to help you
manage the procedure.

6. Those who make traditional coir floor mats can expand their consumer
base and increase revenue by looking into these and other suggestions.
CONCLUSION

Considering the research and analysis the project has done on traditional
jobs in

One may argue that these jobs have a substantial impact on Kerala's
socioeconomic development. Because traditional employment has been
practised for so long, Kerala's rich cultural heritage has been preserved.
The effort looked at a variety of traditional jobs, such as making coir,
getting toddy, fishing, farming, and making crafts.

One of the main conclusions of the project is that traditional jobs in

Kerala face a number of challenges, such as competition from modern
firms, a lack of government support, and changing consumer tastes.
Many traditional vocations remain in demand despite these challenges
because they are marked by a strong sense of community and cultural
pride.

The study also demonstrated how essential it is to transmit to following

generations the customary knowledge and skills associated with these
professions. Government regulation, schemes for vocational training, and
the marketing of conventional goods both domestically and
internationally can all be used to achieve this.

The overall finding of the project is that Kerala's traditional jobs are a
significant part of the state's identity and cultural heritage. They provide
possibilities for a living for thousands of individuals and significantly
benefit the economy.

Therefore, it is essential to recognize and support these jobs in order to

ensure their long-term survival and maintenance.