Crafts of Uttar Pradesh – Indian handicrafts
Traditional Treasures

Zardozi
The craft of zardozi or silver and gold embroidery was brought into India by Delhi’s Turko-Afghan sultans in the 12th century. Down the ages, the craft became equally popular with the wealthy Hindu, Muslim, and European classes. Today several families in Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow, Rampur, Bareilly, and Farrukhabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, have revived this old craft to supply exquisite zari embroidered bridal outfits and salwar kameezes to boutiques round the country. But prices are considerably lower in Uttar Pradesh. Innovative designers have added functional bags, belts, caps, cushions, and wall hangings to their stock of ready to wear and custom made zardozi garments. A lighter and flashier offshoot of traditional Indian zardozi finds its way to top fashion houses around the world.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Chikankari
Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, is closely associated with another fine embroidery, chikankari. These cool summery shadow-work saris, kurtas, and veils have been in vogue in this city for hundreds of years. Prices vary according to the quality of material used, and the work done on it. Table and household linen in white or pale pastel muslin, organdy and voile are also popular buys.
(more…)

Crafts of Tripura - Indian Handicrafts

Tripura is famous for cane and bamboo work. Ethnic groups in Tripura make wide variety of handicraft products using bamboo and cane. Some of the well known craft produce from the State include table mats, floor mats, room dividers, decorated wall panels, attractive furniture of cane and various gift items. The handloom industry is the oldest industry in the State and artisans produce cloths with the elegant designs, unique colour combinations and lasting texture.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Cane & Bamboo Handicrafts
Cane and Bamboo occupy a distinctive place in the life of Tripura. Wide variety of wonderful objects are made out of the Cane and Bamboo. Variety of items are produced, including Furniture, and Table Mats & other Mat products , Lamp Shades etc. These products are also exported to various countries as they are in great demand. Interior decoration products made out of Cane and Bamboo include ceilings, paneling, plaques, Pot containers(Planters) etc. made of Gossamer thin bamboo mattress. Lamp Shades made out of fine strips of cane and bamboo, Furniture made of cane, Baskets knitted out of cane and bamboo strips are some of the well known craft produce from the Tripura which are always on demand.

Mat and mat articles, bamboo chatai, ladies bag, Hand fans, Portfolio bag (for seminar) etc. are the most popular items. Some other rare craft items available from the State include small framed mirror, Hair Clips, Powder Case, Decorative Trays etc. Bamboo and cane Ornaments, not available in any other part of the world, are also very intricate and exquisite in nature.
(more…)

Crafts of Sikkim - Indian Handicrafts

Sikkim is famous for woven woolen carpets, table called Choktse, Hand made paper, Wollen blanets and traditional motifs and unique designs.

Foremost among Sikkim’s products are the beautiful hand woven woolen carpets with traditional Sikkimese motifs and unique. These attractively designed carpets are in great demand in Sikkim and abroad. The handsome woolen texture are durable, plush and are dyed not with synthetic dyes but traditional vegetable Sikkimese dyes.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Choktse, the foldable table from Sikkim is one of the well known product in India and abroad. Choktse are prepared in varying designs and dimensions. Hand made paper is another product demanded inside and outside the state.

The traditional Sikkimese weaves and woolen blankets which can be designed into bags, shawls, jackets, opulent Sikkimese thankas (traditional tapestry ), leather works, dolls, variegated applique work, batiks, an exquisite selection of dolls and a variety of fashionable garments for modern people are the other specialties of the state.

THE MULTI-HUED CRAFTS OF PUNJAB – Indian handicrafts

While Phulkari is undoubtedly the piece de resistance of the crafts of Punjab, there are several other beautiful, traditional crafts - many of them unusual and highly specialized -practiced all over the state.
Pidhis

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

At Kartarpur, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, craftsmen and women create pidhis (low, four legged woven stools), which are both functional and artistic. In a marvelous display of skill, the pidhis are first carved out from wood, and then covered with lacquer and woven with threads of different colors. Other lacquer ware products of Punjab include table lamps, dolls, and attractive scratch work surahis. Wood workers at Hoshiarpur and Kartarpur specialize in making artistic furniture with intricate designs. In those golden days when artisans received royal patronage, the wood workers of Hoshiarpur particularly were specialists in inlaying ivory. With motifs and ornamentation drawn from life around them -Patta (leaf), dodi (bud), jhari (bush), flowers and animals and birds-the wood workers created masterpieces that found their way to the homes of those who had an eye for skill and beauty.

Today, the march of time has taken its toll in terms of raw material-with ivory inlays being replaced by plastic. But the skills of the craftsmen continue to blossom and they turn out a remarkable range of trays, mirror frames, dressing tables, easy chairs, sofa sets, dining tables, chairs, and much else.

Jootis
Color, beauty and utility combine to form the central theme of the well-known leather jootis (shoes and slippers) of Punjab. Rich gold and multi-colored threads are used to decorate and impart a royal touch to a variety of jootis crafted from leather of different shades. In many parts of Punjab, entire families continue to devote themselves to making jootis. A good place to buy jootis is Patiala-once the proud capital of the Sikh Maharajas. One can find a stunning range of jootis embroidered with zari (gold thread), salma and tilla here.
(more…)

Crafts of Nagaland – Indian handicrafts

The traditional crafts of Nagaland are unique in design which shows beyond doubt that they are lovers of art and craft. The cane and bamboo works of the Nagas maintain high quality and the intricate designs on them depict the rich cultural tradition of the Nagas. Their handicraft products find ready market in the country as well as abroad.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Handloom
The introduction of improved and finer count yarn, the translation of traditional handloom fabric into modern garments, the handloom industry of Nagaland has found wider scope of expansion. These traditional patterns with rich vibrant colours of the various tribes of Nagaland fused harmoniously with the high fashion garments of the west are finding good market in national level.

The important handicrafts of the Nagas are :
wood-carving
bamboo work
pottery
blacksmithy
Wood Carving

The best wood-carvings are to be seen on the village gate, in the Morung, and in front of the house of a rich man or warrior. They use simple working instruments like dao, chisel, axe and adze. The figures generally carved are mithun head, hornbill, human figure, elephant, tiger etc. These figures are an expression of an idea. The mithun head represents wealth; the hornbill, valour; the human figure, success in head-hunting; while elephant and tiger denotes physical prowess. In Konyak area, there are some carvings which have the Khajuraho touch about them; there are exotic motifs showing a dancing couple in an amorous posture. The Konyaks are in fact, the best wood-carvers among the Nagas. The log-drums or xylophones which are laboriously hollowed out of the trunk of a big tree are excellent specimens of the Naga’s skill in wood-work. The drum has generally a carved prow showing mithun, buffalo or tiger’s head. In recent years, owing to discouragement of headhunting and the spread of Christianity, the art of wood-carving has been languishing.
(more…)

Crafts of Kerela – Indian handicrafts
Inspiration and Innovation

Introduction
The crafts of Kerala have one thing in common-they have all been perfected through the dedicated hands of the craftsmen who thrive on coconut groves and wealth of forest riches.

Unlike any other region of the land, the craft skills of Kerala are entirely indigenous. The craftsmen here can pick up the humblest and meanest bit of material and imbue it with magical mastery. One finds it very difficult to investigate successfully the alchemy of these finished products of décor and utility.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Woodcarving
Endowed with a rich variety of fine quality tropical wood like the distinguished rose wood, the stately white cedar, the indestructible teak, and the luxuriant bamboo, it is but natural that the skill of the wood carver is Kerala’s timeless tradition. It was the craft of royal preference as palaces were built entirely of wood. The temple structures today stand witness to the beauty and stability of this heritage. Currently this tradition has become a form of artistic expression visible in the form of figurines and household items. This heritage at first appeared in the form of deified images as stylised Buddhas, awe-inspiring Rama figures, the very human Krishna forms, and serene figures, which contrasted amicably with perfection of the dancing Shiva-Nataraja figures. Together with these art objects produced with anatomical exactitude and ornamented with a veneer of intricate carving, there were secular and common life examples produced alongside, ranging in height from a tiny six centimetres to life-size carvings.
(more…)

Crafts of Himachal Pradesh – Indian handicrafts
Crafts Panorama from Himachal

Introduction
Hidden from public gaze, the amazing and highly specialised activities take place all over Himachal Pradesh throughout the year. In picturesque valleys and among high rugged mountains, the people of Himachal practice their age-old skills. In many cases, it takes months of patient work before a crafted article of rare workmanship is ready to be revealed for public appraisal. The range of crafts in Himachal is vast and shows many facets of artistic dexterity. The crafts include textiles, woodcarving, architecture, and paintings. It is amazing to see how these hilly people developed such great tradition of artistic excellence despite their tough life.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Textile
Exquisite examples of needle painting, the rumals (large handkerchiefs) of Chamba have long been famous for their unusual beauty, and as symbols and omens of goodwill. Weddings in the hills and valleys around Chamba are still not complete without an exchange of Chamba rumals.

Originally, the hill women in and around Chamba embroidered the silk rumals with folk motifs. In time, they were influenced by the Pahari School of painting, which developed after Mughal miniature paintings came into vogue. Gradually, the Chamba rumals were transformed into works of art. Episodes from mythology and legends were embroidered on the rumals with stunning effects. The facial expressions of the characters, their lithe body movements, and scenic detail were brought to life on the rumal through remarkable skill at embroidery and an unerring feel for colours.
(more…)

Crafts of Maharashtra – Indian handicrafts

A region as large and diverse as Maharashtra in terms of culture, customs and geography is bound to develop rich repertoire of art and techniques of artistic crafts. Maharashtra is the proud home to various different artistic techniques which have flourished under the many rulers including the Marathas, the Mughals and the British. From the paintings at Ajanta, so many hundreds of years ago, to today’s Warli paintings, Maharashtra’s ties with the Arts have always remained strong and nurturing.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Bidri Ware
Bidri ware, one of Aurangabad’s ancient crafts, employs zinc and copper as raw materials. It usually involves intricate workmanship of pure silver, either embossed, overlaid or inlaid on the metal surface. Originally, Bidri ware items were used as hookahs or paan daans but they have been relegated to as souvenirs.

Paithani Saris
The art of weaving Paithani saris is believed to be 2000 years old. The yarn used is pure silk and the zari or gold threads are drawn from pure gold. A heavily brocaded Paithani sari takes anywhere from six months to one and a half years to weave.
(more…)

Crafts of Meghalaya – Indian handicrafts

Weaving is inseparable from the culture of the tribals of Meghalaya - be it weaving of cane or cloth. The Khasis are famous for weaving cane mat, stools and baskets. Their special kind cane mat called ‘Tlieng’, is famous for its durability which guarantees a good utility span of around 20-30 years. Baskets, sleeping mats, winnowing fans, rain shields manufactured out of plaited bamboo and cane are mostly found in the rural areas. Jaintia fishing traps made of bamboo sticks are also noted for functional beauty.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

The favourite women clothing of the Meghalaya is known as Dakbanda. These garments are well decorated with depictions of beautiful flowers and butterflies, in various colour combines. The Khasis have also been involved in extracting iron ore and then manufacture domestic knives, utensils and even guns and other warfare weapons using it.

In some Jaintia and Garo villages, engravings of the figures of men and animals are found on the house walls. Near Jowai, the carvings of a lover and his beloved are seen which evoke acclaim even today for artistry and ingenuity in designing.

The cane bridges hanging over quick-flowing streams also testify to the superb craftsmanship of the Khasis and Jaintias.

The non- Christian Garos erect memorials for the dead. Those are actually statues engraved in wooden posts, in the shape, form and facial resemblance of the deceased. The original house-types are found in some of the interior villages.

Crafts of Gujarat – Indian handicrafts

Handicraft Heritage
The tradition of crafts in Gujarat dates from the ancient times. The presence of a kiln at Lothal, one of the sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, indicates that pottery was a well-established craft in the state. Some of the oldest and the best textiles that were in great demand in West and Southeast Asia were created in Gujarat. A visit to Gujarat, however fleeting, is replete with images of colourful and fascinating textiles, elaborately carved wooden and stone jharokhas and beautiful handcrafted silver jewellery. In Gujarat it is customary for a bride to have exquisite hand embroidered ghagras, odhnis, animal covers, bags, quilts and house decorations as part of her trousseau.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Textiles
Textiles are Gujarat’s forte and one can find an immense variety of textile traditions here that range from robust folk textiles to fine brocades. In fact, the oldest known printed fabrics from India were the resist dyed and printed cottons of Gujarat. These printed fabric traditions are still going strong in Gujarat and are considered an essential part of any fashionable Indian woman’s wardrobe. The ajrakh prints of the Kutch region and the sodagiri prints of Paithapur are just two examples of Gujarat’s excellently printed textiles. The Matani-Pachedi print produced by the Vaghari community priests in honour of the mother goddess is another example of Gujarati skills in printing. Gujarat also boasts of the patola, one of the finest hand woven textiles found in Patan. In this process the warp and the weft are first tie-dyed and then woven together, an act requiring highly specialised skills.
(more…)

Crafts of Madhya Pradesh – Indian handicrafts
Alluring Legacy

Introduction
All over Madhya Pradesh, craftsmen spend their days in a whirl of activities. The materials that are used may have changed over the years and the articles that are produced may be on a wider utilitarian range, but a long heritage of tradition continues to add a highly distinctive, individualistic touch to the crafts of Madhya Pradesh. Thousands of craftsmen practice hand printing, generally with vegetable dyes at a string of hand printing centres-Jawad, Bhairongarh, Mandsaur, Umedpura, Burhanpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gotampura, Sohawal and Tarapur.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Textiles
Garments, bedspreads, tablecloths and curtain material are produced at Umedpura and Tarapur in nandana prints. The prints were once in vogue amongst the villagers of the Nimar plain. From Bhairongarh came printed quilt covers, lungis, odhanis, jajams (floor coverings), bedspreads, and tablecloths. Tie and dye chunaries are the speciality of Tarapur and Mandsaur.
(more…)

Crafts of Tamil Nadu – Indian handicrafts
In Rhyme With The Past

Introduction

The origin of most of the arts and crafts tradition of the state of Tamil Nadu can be related to the influence of temple economy that prevailed for a long time in this part of the country. The rich temples of the region not only gave patronage to the craftsmen but constant construction work in these temples helped the craftsmen regularly upgrade their knowledge and experience. Today, the craft traditions of the state have developed into full-fledged industries in themselves.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Musical Instruments
With the important role played by music and dance in the cultural life of Tamil Nadu, it was inevitable that the making of musical instruments would become a major craft. Most of the centres for this craft are situated around Thanjavur, which has also produced some of the country’s finest musicians.
(more…)

Crafts of Uttaranchal – Indian handicrafts

Surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas and dense forests lies the land of Uttaranchal. The snow clad region is famous for its temple architecture, wood carving, paintings and traditional ornaments.

Temple Architecture
Temple Architecture was patronised by wealthy and powerful kings of of the region. They encouraged the construction of big stone temples, wood carvings, ornaments etc. Big stone temples were erected with highly intricate and ornamental carvings, having beautiful stone and metal idols. Kamaleshwar Temples of Srinagar (Garhwal) and Nanda Devi Temple (Distt. Almora) are fine examples of these.

In the Garhwal-Kumaon region, one can find a temples with lotus shaped roof, lion over the elephant which is projected over lower Shikhara normally covering the audience hall and outer walls executed either in Panch Rath or Sapta Rath pattern, giving the temple a cylindrical shape. The main temple is invariably surrounded by a couple of smaller temples, which house deities of lower hierarchy.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Wood Carving
Craft-persons of the Uttaranchal had mastered the art of wood carving. Abundant in Wood and wood product, the artisans of the region has designed simple and beautiful designs on carvings on Doors, windows and ceilings in the houses of the region. These beautifully ornamented doors and windows still attract art lovers. The motifs, ordinarily of the Gods or Goddesses, add to the richness of the carvings. The craftspersons also used to do specific latticework to fill in the open space of the windows in order to give a screen like effect.

Paintings
Garhwal, is famous for Mughal style of paintings introduced by a Mughal Prince. A rich collection of these paintings are displayed in the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal, along with many sculptures and findings from archaeological excavations.

The Folk Art of Kumaon known as Aipan, has been practiced by the women folk of Kumaon. Another kind of painting is known as Peeth, where floor of the seat of Gods and goddess is decorated with geometrical patterns.

Wall Painting
Wall paintings has been one of the oldest traditions of the region and usually two different kinds of paintings are followed for the Kitchen and another for the ritual ceremonial places. These painting are usually done on the occasion for domestic ceremonies such as marriages when walls and doors of the house are decorated.

Ornaments
Garhwal and Kumaon, traditional goldsmiths used to make traditional ornaments using design and patterns which are thousands of years old. The ornaments were made in gold, silver & often copper was overlaid in brass.

Crafts of West Bengal – Indian handicrafts

Bengal is known all over the world for its expertise in art and craft. Its skill in architectural splendours to its excellent works on woodwork, terracotta, paintings, textile run unparallel. Pottery, brass and copperware, embroidery, tapestry, hand looms, fine muslin and silk artistry, wood carving, cane works etc. are a few examples of handicrafts which originated at the ground level in the heartland of Bengal - the villages. Most of these handicraft produce are cottage industry in West Bengal and has been backbone of the rural economy of the State.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Artistic Leather Craft
The leather crafts, a fine example of contemporary art and craft in West Bengal, owe their widespread popularity and development due to some innovative work done by gifted artists at Santiniketan.

Brass & Bell Metal
Brass and Metal craft has been an old handicraft product of the State. Handed down to generations of metalworkers, their product has varied from cooking utensils to vessels for specilal occations. Artisans of Bankura, Bishnupur, Ghatal and Chandanpur in Midnapore, are engaged in engraved brass and bell metal work.
(more…)

Crafts of Assam – Indian handicrafts

Introduction

Handloom weaving is a way of life in Assam. Almost every house is the village has a prized possession of a loom. Cotton, Muga, Paat (Silk) and Endi are common fabrics widely used for weaving. Images or caricatures of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers, birds, cross borders etc. are favoured motifs embroidered on these handloom products. The traditional garments with beautiful designed borders are mekhela-chaddar, Riha and Gamosa (Towels). The Laichangphi guilts in Cachar district are an industry by itself of Assam. Sualkuchi being the biggest silk production center is called as the ‘Manchester of Assam’.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Jwellery, particularly of gold is a tradition in Assam. The Sonowal Kachari tribe collect gold from the birds of the rivers flowing down the Himalayas. The jewellers known as Sonari make exquisite Doog-Doogi, Bana, Jon-biri, Dhol-biri type lockets; Thuriya, Loka-paro and Keru earrings; Gaam-kharu bracelets and Gal-pata necklaces.

Rich with cane and bamboo forests, Assam has not only the raw material but also the fine artistic sense of making the cane furniture which are highly appreciated all over the world. The Chalani (sieve), kula (winnowing pan), Khorahi (small baskets), the Japi (hat) with colourful design and motif made out of Bamboo strips enjoy enormous domestic demands. Cachar is famous for Sitalpati (mats) made out of Patidai or mohtra reeds.

Brass and Bell metal products are famous for their beauty, strength and utility. In Hajo of Kamrup district Brass is an important cottage industry. Sarthebari in the same district is famous for bell metal crafts. The artisans prepare Kalah (water pot), Sarai, Kahi (dish) Bati (bowl), Lota and Tal (cymbals) out of this material.

Assam also has a body of artists specialising in pottery. Their products are exquisite examples of immaculate craftsmanship. Household articles, toys, dolls and images of worship are the favourites of the pottery artists in Assam.

Wood is in abundance in Assam, which has largely enriched the woodcraft in the State. Exquisite wood carvings are seen in the doors, walls, beams, and ceilings and also in the temples. The decorative panels in the royal palace of Ahoms and in the Vaishnavite monasteries testify to the skillful artistic hands of the Khanikars. The painted wood work of Golaghat signifies the folk art of the state.

Kuhila Koth or fibre weaving is a famed handicraft of Batadrava area of Nagaon district. Kuhila is woven on a simple loom-like gadget made of wood and bamboo poles to produce seats, mats and cushions. This is also an important craft in Gauripur of Dhubri district.

Pith or Indian cork had been in use for toy making for centuries in Assam.

Ethnic Indian Handicrafts and Paintings

Click here to visit our Handicrafts and Paintings Gallery

Indian paintings provide an aesthetic continuum that extends from the early civilization to the present day. This form of art in India is vivid and lively, refined and sophisticated and bold and vigorous at the same time. From being essentially religious in purpose in the beginning, Indian paintings have evolved over the years to become a fusion of various traditions which influenced them.

Crafts of Chhattisgarh – Indian handicrafts

Chhattisgarh is famous for traditional craft products made out of bamboo, wood etc. The folk paintings of Chhatisgarh depict the living expressions of the people, intrinsically linked with the socio-cultural ambiance of the area. They are not mere decorations but also spontaneous outpourings of religious devotions. The main craft produce of the State include Bamboo work, Wood carving, folk painting and folk Jewellery.
Bamboo Work

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Bamboo thickets are common sight in the State and tribals of Chhattisgarh have been putting their craftmanship to work. Craftsmanship of Chhattisgarh tribals can be seen from varying articles of craft produce they make out of bamboo. Articles for daily as well as decorative use are produced by these artisians. Some of the will known Bamboo produce include agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools and baskets.

Wood Carving
The woodcarving art has been flourishing in Chhattisgarh from time immemorial and one can find beautifully carved wooden products designed by the craftsman of the State. The skillful craftsmen of the State carve beautiful wooden ceilings, doors, lintels etc using different kinds of wood like shisham, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar. The craftsmen also make pipes, masks, doors, window frames and sculptures.

Painting
Traditional wall paintings of the State is associated with rituals. Floors and walls are painted with colours and in almost every instance the depiction being associated with some ritual. Pithora paintings is a common traditional art form. These paintings originated in the tribal area of the Central India which is presently Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and depicts the offering to gods. These paintings are usually done on the occasion of marriages, child birth and other occasions of fulfillment of wish etc. Most of these paintings has a horse as it was considered auspicious to sacrifice a horse. In most of these tribal houses one can find pithora paintings. They are colorful and use natural colors.

Ornaments
Jewellery from Chhattisgarh is available in a variety of gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal. Ornament made out of beads, cowries and feathers are part of tribal costumes. Tribal men and women wear traditional ornaments.

Crafts of Manipur – Indian handicrafts

The people of Manipur are artistic and creative in their thinking and outlook. Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuris weave with a passion and style, unrivalled by any other state. Manipuri bed covers of Moirangfee and flower designs, silk and cotton sarees, scarves, blankets and shawls, in distinctive shades and weaves, make for an enchanting collection. A wide range of artistic handicrafts from bamboo, papier mache, decorative ivory, dolls and jewellery make for prized souvenirs. These exquisite handlooms and handicrafts are sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women’s market in the country.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

Cane and Bamboo
Cane is the natural endowment of the forest resources in Manipur. Due to Jhum (Shifting) cultivation rampantly practiced in the hill areas, cane resources have been dwindling by way burning of the forest areas.