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
semaster of Diploma in Computer Engineering of Al-Azhar College of
Engineering and Polytechnic.
Faculty in charge Head of Section
Internal Examiner External Examiner
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and
practices of indigenous peoples. Developed from experience
gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and
environment, traditional knowledge is often transmitted orally
from generation to generation. Traditional knowledge includes
types of knowledge about traditional technologies of
subsistence, botany and ecological knowledge, fishing
techniques, traditional medicine, celestial navigation, craft skills,
astronomy, climate, animal migration patterns, water
management and others.
TRADITIONAL SKILLS IN KERALA
Kerala is a land of spectacular beauty. Every year, hundreds of tourist visit
Kerala to explore the backwaters and natural reservoirs. The people of Kerala
cultivates tea, coffee, coconuts and different types of spices.
Kerala is well-renowned for its rich and vibrant culture. The state purity and
simplicity is also seen in their handicrafts.The handicrafts are the creative
product which is crafted by hands without the use of machines and equipment.
Banana Fibre Handicrafts: The Banana Handicrafts are slowly gaining in
popularity. When the trunk of banana plant treated, it gives a fine
natural fibre. The banana plant is used in crafting table mats, bags, wall
hangings and mats of different shapes and sizes. Even, the saree named
Pattu is also woven with this fabric.
Metalwork: The Metal work craft of Kerala is a traditional art form and
has been in existence from a very early period. Temple bells and lamps
have been in production from a very early period. Bell Metal i.e. an alloy
of brass, tin and copper, is generally used for a majority of the metal
works. Trivandrum are the major hubs for the Bell Metal crafts. The
most popular products made from Bell Metal are cooking vessels such
as Varpu, drinking tumblers, religious icons such as Gaja Tandava etc.
Screw Pine Products: Considered as one of the most important cottage
industries of Kerala, Screw Pine weaving is an ancient craft. Three
different types of mats are woven with the screw pine leaves and the
main centres are Mavelikkara and Karthikapalli Taluks of Alappuzha
dist., Thazava, Karunagapalli Taluk of Kollam district, Vachrai and some
villages of Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The most
popular products are straw hats, household linen and carry bags .
TRADITIONAL WAY OF MAKING COIR MAT
WHERE AM I NOW…
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 hole process, it will be all under some
organisation or societies.
For an example the society will provide coconut shells to an
group of people who works in their home and make fibre, and
the fibre 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 Chertala, Alappuzha in Kerala, I visited a location where I saw how tiny fibres
are manufactured from coconut shell.
The steps for extracting fine fibre 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 fibres, the husks are next submerged in
water for several months.
3. Beating: After soaking, the husks are pounded to separate the fibres from
the pith using a mallet, a wooden stick, or even hydraulic equipment.
Retting describes this procedure.
4. Detaching the fibres from the pith: After the fibres 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 fibres 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
previouslyexplained before beginning the entire process of creating a
floor mat.
1. Hackling: The fibres are further refined and strengthened through hackling.
2. Spinning: Using spinning wheels, the hackled fibres 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.
1. You must first collect coir from the community, which is produced by the
individuals who I specified in step 2
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).
3. With the necessary equipment or tools, make rope from the coir.
4. 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.
5. Stitch the floor mat after cutting a hole in it Byhands .
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT IN THE TRADITIONAL
COIR FLOOR MAT METHOD FOLLOWED:
1. 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.
2. Robustness: Coir floor mats can handle heavy foot activity and are robust.
With the right upkeep and care, they can last for many years.
3. 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.
4. 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.
LIMITATIONS OF THE PRESENT IN TRADITIONAL COIR
FLOORMAT METHOD FOLLOWED:
1. 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
recognised that using coir mats in wet environments, such as bathrooms or
kitchens, is a bad idea.
2. 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.
3. Shedding: Coir mats, particularly when they are fresh, can shed fibers. The
appearance could become disorganized as a result, necessitating constant
vacuuming or cleaning.
4. 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.
5. Limited design options: Although coir mats come in a range of sizes and
forms, there aren't many different ways to customise their appearance. This can
make it challenging to choose a coir mat that complements your particular
interior style.
while using conventional coir floor mat methods has numerous advantages, it's
crucial to understand their drawbacks before making a purchase decision.
FEW QUESTIONS WHERE ASKED FROM MY SIDE
Few question where asked from our side in order to have more clarity and
information about the traditional skill which I am grasping knowledge about,
And I had complete support from them the questions and the answer I received
was the following:
1. Is it a skilled work done by professionals or locally trained people or a
traditional work?
They were locally trained, hence the response to the question was no.
2. Explain how much area is required for implementing the process.
I was able to see them just barely working, therefore the answer was
few. In the car porch of an inadequately equipped home.
3. To what extent, the income generated is sufficient to meet the living
expenses of the workers? Mention either monthly income or
percentage
They responded that they are happy with their pay for this question.
4. What are the modes of sales/market introduction of the finished
product (Mention through trade fares/local market/online etc.)
They work for a society, and they control the supply of raw materials
and the sales of the products. As a result, their method of sales is not
very advanced.
5. What all are the Government schemes available for the
support/implementation of the process.
The response was no, there haven't been any initiatives or plans fromthe
government to help them.
6. How far automation of the work is possible in the present situation.
Mention whether any kind of machinery is needed for the process. If yes
list, the name
No, this work does not yet include any automation.
SUGGESTIONS THAT I CAN GIVE TO TRADITIONAL COIR FLOOR
MAT PEOPLE ARE
1. Quality control: Stress the significance of upholding constant
standards ofquality. Urge employees to thoroughly check each mat for any
flaws and to repair or dispose of any that don't adhere to the standards.
2. Efficiency: Look for ways to improve the efficiency of the production
process. The arrangement of the workspace may need to be optimised, better
equipment may need to be purchased, or staff may need to be trained in
more effective methods.
3. 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.
4. 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.
