Samva Collective | Branding Rural India’s Entrepreneurs

Bengaluru Santhe: A Marketplace for Rural Artisans in the Heart of the City

KSRLPS – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society

Bengaluru, Karnataka

The challenge

Karnataka’s rural artisans and women-led self-help groups (SHGs) have long struggled to access urban markets. Despite producing authentic, high-quality crafts and sustainable goods, they faced barriers in visibility, distribution, and consumer reach. A physical, high-footfall platform in Bengaluru was needed to connect these enterprises directly with buyers and create sustainable livelihoods.

Our Role

Nano Media, led by Muhassin, undertook a comprehensive design intervention to revitalise Bengaluru Santhe. From reimagining the site layout and renovating stalls to setting up market walkways, landscaping, and visual merchandising, the project was operationalised end-to-end. The team created a marketplace environment that is fully prepared for launch and long-term functioning. Renza, co-founder of Samva Collective, supported in material sourcing and human resource planning to ensure the intervention could scale effectively and maintain authenticity.

What We Did

Marketplace Setup

Designed and operationalised a centrally located, culturally rich marketplace showcasing products from rural artisans and SHGs across Karnataka.

Sustainability & Inclusivity

Ensured eco-friendly materials, women-led vendor participation, and accessibility for diverse micro-enterprises

Rural-Urban Linkages

Curated vendor stalls representing multiple crafts and regions, creating direct linkages between rural entrepreneurs and Bengaluru’s urban consumer base.

Digital Integration

Introduced early digital enablement tools for vendor management, payment processing, and future e-marketplace expansion.

Impact and Vision

50,000+

women entrepreneurs projected to be impacted long-term

A permanent hub for artisan empowerment and economic upliftment

Revitalising traditional crafts and cultural heritage within an urban market

Strengthened collaboration between government, rural enterprises, and private enablers

Looking Ahead

Bengaluru Santhe is more than a marketplace. It’s a movement to bring rural Karnataka’s creativity into the heart of the city sustainably, inclusively, and with long-term growth in mind.

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