Anegondi is a small village in Karnataka with a rich historic significance. Believed to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkinda(The Forest belonging to Monkeys) in the epic of Ramayana, Anegondi is at a distance of 5 km from the historical site of Hampi. 

 

The Kishkinda Trust (TKT) in Anegondi, Karnataka empowers communities and creates a way of life that considers culture as an intangible element permeating all activities in life- ranging from functional to ideational-  ecology, cuisine, crafts, design, agriculture, technology, education, markets and festivals.

 

Founded in the year 1997 by Shama Pawar, The Kishkinda Trust (TKT) assists the villagers of Anegundi at a grassroots level to build capacity in order to maintain business incubators and to conserve their historical heritage. TKT runs several unique programs, which are seamlessly integrated with the lives of the local people and that empower them economically.

 

Since TKT emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials, locally available banana fibre is used as the raw material for the products manufactured. Banana fibre crafts today is the most known craft in Hampi world heritage site and is used in making wide range of Household items and Accessories.

TKT has trained many artisans  in sewing, making jewellery by macramé, crochet, and about 30 women artisans are involved today in producing home and personal accessories in the village, independent of the trust.

 

Zilpinz wishes to help The Kishkinda Trust and their Artisans reach out with their handmade crafts.  Read more on The Kishkinda Trust from their website -  The Kishkinda Trust