Birbhum, West Bengal

Amar Kutir Leather Goods

Amar Kutir's leather-craft unit makes leather bags and other leather goods, and the unit employs mostly rural women; leather bags are among the cooperative's most famous products alongside its hand-batik silk. The goods are sold at the Amar Kutir shop on the Kopai near Santiniketan, a must-visit craft market for tourists in Bolpur. A buyer gets hand-finished leather bags and accessories at a reasonable price. Buying at the cooperative directly supports the women's craft unit that the society runs.

Typical price: ₹300-3000

Buying tip: The Amar Kutir shop is the authentic place to buy in the district; inspect the stitching, lining and buckles before purchase and ask the women artisans for bag sizes on request.