Jandi work applied to swings and/or cradles is called hindoro. As one of the owners, Niaz Hussain, indicated hindoro became a center of activity for the women in his house. “They sit on it to chat over a cup of tea, chop vegetables, shell peas or lie down for a nap. Babies are rocked to sleep, and children are told stories on it. And when it needs a bit of repair, the women are on my case until I get it done quickly. My granddaughter loves sitting in it so much that she once asked me if there is a hindoro in heaven,” (Chandio, 2018).
Jandi is considered a status symbol in Sindh. In the past, homes with hindoro were considered well-off. Gradually, the swing made its way into the homes of the not-so-well-to-do as it became a cultural symbol. Today, various items, including furniture, decorative pieces, souvenirs, domestic utensils, and toys, are sold in the local markets and exported.
Although lacquering objects originated 4000 years ago, Jandi-work can be traced back to the dynasty periods of India and China. Around the 14th century, the usage of Jandi was utilitarian as lacquer was applied to add sturdiness to wooden objects in daily use.
Jandi work is directly linked with the forest and climate change since it is related to wood. This art is in danger of environmental change leading to deforestation and a lack of natural materials used in coloring. Until the early 20th century, artisans obtained Bihan wood at a low cost from the nearby forest of Rajouri Belo. The forest was hit by widespread deforestation and has vanished completely. Not only is wood affected by climate change, but also the other materials used for preparing natural dye for applying on the wooden work. The lack of availability of raw materials is making it harder to produce.
Following deforestation, poor land management methods result in soil erosion, flooding, and ultimately a decline in agricultural output. Significant deforestation poses a hazard to species that depend on forests, particularly in tropical areas with a high biodiversity. It has an impact on global warming. Farmers burn the waste left over from clearing the forests to prepare the soil for sowing. Huge amounts of gases are released into the environment after burning. As important as these effects, cultural practices are impacted by deforestation as in Jandi-work case.
Jandi Cradle Activity Guide
