Unit 5

Indian Handicrafts and Souvenirs of India

Structure
5.1 Introduction Objectives
5.2 History of Indian Handicrafts
5.3 Summary ' ' .
5.4 Terminal Questions
5.5 Answers

5.1 Introduction

For centuries Indian handicrafts have been distinguished for their great aesthetic and
functional value. In ancient times, the artisans conceptualized the intricate designs and
patterns, which were crafted into the temples and the objects associated with them. Apart
from the temples, other handicraft items too have gained immense popularity.

Objectives:
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
 Explain the history of Indian handicrafts
 Identify and describe different types of handicrafts — woodcraft, ivory, metal craft,
handloom, pottery, fibre weaving, embroidery, paintings, stone work, handmade
jewellery, leather work, lacquer work, shell work, furniture, papier—maché,
macramé, tapestry, toys etc. A
 Categorise handicrafts from different states of India.

5.2 History of Indian Handicrafts

Handicraft items that were patronized by the Mughal royalty show a remarkable
refinement of workmanship. ln these crafts the designs were very often influenced by the
court paintings and miniature art derived from Persian or indigenous sources. These
designs are evident in the Indian carpets, brocades, papier mache, stone inlay and so on.

Traditionally, the artists prepared the designs on paper, which were subsequently
executed by the craftsmen. The designs were assigned to different craftsmen according to
their abilities and skill. Thus the designer or master craftsman visualized the complete
design indicating the details of form, color distribution and proportion to be realized by
various specialists.

The rules of iconography were written down in the ancient scriptures, namely the Shilpa
Shastra. The master craftsman would first visualize the image in a particular
representation, according to the rules of iconography laid down in the scriptures on stone
craft, and prepare initially a model in wax or clay. This would later be cast by craftsmen,
while the master craftsman executed the finer work. This combination of design ability
and technical skills was a part of our craft tradition. There are however, many crafts
where the craftsman both designs and executes the products himself.

The particular period and appeal of a handicraft item can be gauged from the number of
industries, technique of production, types of goods produced and materials used. This
state reflects the aesthetic sense of the people, curvature of objects, lines, space, light
and shades. An examination of the visual arts, such as sculpture, paintings and terra-cotta
unveil the element of art. Not all crafts were produced for daily needs.

Tools used today reflect the traditions of the early age, as old as the Stone Age. The rural
and tribal artisans use processes and techniques inherited by them from their forefathers
in the creation of their crafts. Though the tools used in that age were mainly for survival
purposes, the making of these tools required considerable amount of skill.

The Stone Age man adopted the 'hammer stone' method to make flake tools. This
requires striking the mass stone near the edge at an angle of 120 degrees with the
convex surface of a water worn pebble selected as hammer stone. This was perfected and
put to use in the making of hand axes. Tools are a very important component of this art.
This is the beginning of the age long tradition of handicrafts

The discovery of several spindles, and a piece of cotton stuck to a silver vase, revealed
that the spinning and weaving of cotton was known to the Harrappans, nearly five
thousand years ago. References to weaving are found in the Vedic literature on the
method of spinning and the various materials used.

The foundations of the Indian textile trade with other countries began as early as the
second century BC. A hoard of block printed and resist-dyed fabrics, mainly of Guajarati
origin, found in the tombs of Fostat, Egypt, are the proof of large scale Indian export of
cotton textiles to the Egypt in medieval times.

In the 13th century, Indian silk was used as barter for spices from the western countries.
Towards the end of the 17th century, the British East India Company had begun exports
of Indian silks and various other cotton fabrics to other countries. These included the
famous fine Muslin cloth of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Painted and printed cottons or chintz
was extensively practised between India, China, Java and the Philippines, long before the
arrival of the Europeans.

Before the introduction of mechanized means of spinning in the early 19th century, Indian
cottons and silks were hand spun and handwoven, a highly popular fabric, called the
khadi. Fabrics that use mill- spun yarn but which are hand-woven are known as
handloom.

Today cotton is an integral part of textiles in India. Nearly four million handlooms are
engaged in weaving fabrics of nearly 23 different varieties of cotton.

Rigvedic
The Rigvedic literature being religion based, describes mainly such objects of art and
crafts as were directly or indirectly associated with the religious rituals.

The main types of vessels, pots and pans referred to in Rigveda are many. The general
term used for pot in the Rigvedic literature is Patra. It soon acquired a generic connotation
and began to be used for pots of all specifications.

The most popular material used for making vessels, specially those meant for offering
sacrifices and worship, was wood, while clay pots were made for domestic uses.
References to metal pots too have been found. Leather too is mentioned as having been
used for making vessels. Ironically, wooden vessels in those days were used to drink and
store alcohol. But they were also considered auspicious as they were used to perform
yajnas.

Besides wood, metals were used to make vessels and ornaments. Interestingly, the
scriptures also mention the use of gold and silver. Earthen ware being the simplest to
make, failed to make it to the scriptures because wood was considered auspicious and
metal exotic.
Sculptures
Indian sculptures flourished in the 3rd century BC under the Buddhist a religion. Around
85,000 stupas or dome-shaped monuments, with the teachings of Buddhism engraved on
rocks and pillars, were constructed.

The famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh attracts scores of visitors around the
year. The sacred wheel of law or the dharmachakra is symbolic of the first sermon that
Buddha delivered at Sarnath. The lion depicted in the same has been adopted as part of
the national emblem of India.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi has finely carved gateways Buddhist legends and life-styles of
two thousand years ago. It is fifty-four feet high and is surrounded by a stone railing and
four elaborately carved gateways on each side. The gateway relief depict tales of Buddha's
incarnations, his life as a prince, his moment of enlightenment, his sermons and his
worshippers.

Indian Handicrafts — State wise

India is a handicrafts power house, its each state is replete with different craft traditions.
Each state in India not only has its distinctive ethnic Identity, language, culture, natural
resources — but also a varied tradition of handicrafts and art works. Some of the crafts
traditions were born out of necessity, while others developed simply out of man’s
instinctive attraction towards all things beautiful. Regional history, social ambience,
religion, culture, natural resources and demography were largely responsible for the
evolution of these diverse ethnic crafts traditions in India. From, time immemorial, Indians
have made temple architecture, painted cave walls or the walls of their humble huts, worn
jewellery made of stones and gems, woven garments and made patterns on them. Till
today, the saga of Indian ethnic crafts remains undiminished in its glory and grandeur.

Andhra Pradesh
Like all the other states of India, Andhra Pradesh also has a rich cultural heritage. A
variety of handicrafts and artistic tradition abound in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Starting
from the famous Hyderabad pearls, bidriware to brassware — Andhra Pradesh shines
bright with its handicrafts traditions.

Pearls
Hyderabad, the capital city of the state, today is the nerve centre for pearl trade in the
country and is acclaimed as one of the principal pearl markets in the world. It all began
with one man's fancy for this exotic, lustrous marine gem. The Nizam of the erstwhile
State of Hyderabad, it is said, had a great penchant for pearls. The Asaf Jahi Nizams not
only wore ropes of pearls studded with diamonds as part of State regalia but used the
paste of crushed pearls as beauty aids.

Bidriware
Of the many high profile crafts of the Deccan, bidriware is perhaps one of the most
popular. The very name suggests their origin at Bidar—a district of the Bahmani kingdom
founded in the 14th century. The technique of bidri came to lndia from lran (Persia) in the
14th century.
The basic material of bidriware is an alloy of zinc and copper in the proportion 16:1. Upon
this alloy, designs in pure silver are inlaid.

Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is a state where the traditional handicrafts are made since ages and
are the products, which are much in demand within the country as well as abroad, where
they have gained popularity. Of the handicrafts of Arunachal the most important is
bamboo and cane craft followed by handloom weaving, woodcarving and carpentry, ivory
and metal crafts, and pottery and blacksmithy.
The tribals came to depend on bamboo & cane almost exclusively for constructing their
dwellings, utensils, furniture, and even weapons such as bows and arrows, spears, armor,
and implements like dibbles, hunting and fishing traps.

Apart from these traditional uses, bamboo and cane are crafted dexterously into colourful
basket mats, cane belts, attractive smoking pipes, combs, and a variety of household
tools and implements.

Yet another use the tribes put bamboo to is in making jewellery out of it. Tribal women
wearing rings and headbands made of cane are a common sight in Arunachal Pradesh.

Weaving
Weaving, the exclusive premise of the tribal women of the state, is yet another important
household industry. The equipment used is a simple reedless loom where the actual
weaving is done with a bamboo tube. Besides cotton and wool, some of the Arunachal
tribes use bark fibres extracted from trees like udal, pudu and grasscloth. Similarly, in the
sphere of dyes, one finds an abundant use of natural dyes. The influence of Tibetan,
Burmese, Bhutanese and Assamese cultures is easily apparent here.

Woodcraft and Carving

The practice of woodcarving and allied crafts is part of a long tradition among a number of
tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The main center for woodcarving and woodcraft
in the state is the Wancho area of Tirap district. The Wancho woodcarvings can be
classified under three main categories. The first are those connected with headhunting;
the second with the decoration of the Morungs or men's communal houses; and the third
with the funerary images of different animals.

Ivory and Metal Craft

Ornaments made of brass, bone, ivory, silver, and gold are also crafted using a set of
simple tools by many of the tribes here. The Monpas and Sherdukpens are well known as
traditional silversmiths.

Two things are specially worth mentioning about the crafts of Arunachal Pradesh. First,
the tribal communities make use of easily available natural resources as the raw materials
for their traditional crafts. Second, these traditional crafts are highly popular in
contemporary times. Without doubt, the traditional crafts of Arunachal Pradesh appear to
be all set to make their mark in times to come.

Assam
Assam has a glorious tradition of Handicrafts. Handloom weaving is a way of life in Assam.
Almost every household in 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 quilts in Cachar district are an industry by itself of
Assam. Sualkuchi being the biggest silk production center is called as the 'Manchester of
Assam'.

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.

Brass and Bell metal products are famous for their beauty, strength and utility. ln Hajo of
Kamrup district Brass is an important cottage industry.
Assam also has a body of artists specializing in pottery. Their products are exquisite
examples of immaculate craftsmanship. Household articles, toys, dolls and images of
worship are the favorites of the pottery artists in Assam.

Wood is in abundance in Assam, which has largely enriched the woodcraft in the State.
Exquisite woodcarvings 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 fiber 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.

Bihar
The crafts of Bihar are replete with user — friendly motto. The women 'layer' material for
Soojini Embroidery work, underwriting the many motifs and moods that dictate the arts
and crafts of Bihar.

Instead of establishing an assembly line production technique, the craft continues to be

the domain of women who popularize their own crop of legends, natural ambience, and
traditional uses. That is why the crafts of Bihar wear a rugged and authentic look; for the
papier—méché is not polished to a sophisticated gloss, or the stoneware made into a
punch bowl or the soojini stitch mass-produced. Yet the craft has undergone changes
brought on by a process of assimilation into the world at large.

The art of Madhubani Painting is practiced in the region of Mithila. A fresh coating of cow
dung plastering is applied on the walls and flooring of the house. When the ochre surface
took on a silken smoothness, it was made the background of a fascinating array of wall
paintings. Every inch of the space was filled up. The paintings had curvaceous floral
borders and in the center the favorite theme-the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, was
painted. The art form is practised even now in the region, though at a lesser scale.

Bangle Making: In Muzaffarpur, the principal city in this domain, bangle making is a
cottage industry, in the truest sense, for every household is a manufacturing unit of these
lac turnery beauties. The adjoining forests of the state provide the basic raw material for
bangle making. In fact, there is a special ritual of bangle wearing, where the bride-to-be is
made to wear turmeric colored bangles that are suitably embellished with pieces of
glinting mirrors, brilliant tinsel and painted stripes.

Stone Work
The stone images of Gaya regenerate Lord Buddha's messages. The pearly luster of the
gray-green stone provides an interesting patterning on the image surface. The alternative
black variety, quarried from the adjoining hills, is ideal for tableware. Stem handled
drinking glasses, smoothly turned out coasters and large platters customarily used to
serve offerings to deities at temples, keep the Gaya stone masons constantly innovating
and creating.

Chattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is a state renowned for its rich metal crafts and other 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 ambience 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 Jewelry.

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 painting is a common traditional art form.

Most of these paintings have 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
Jewelry 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.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli are famous for the production of leather slippers, weaving of
bamboo mats and baskets. Mat weaving is also an important vocation in Daman, while Diu
is known for its tortoise shell and ivory carving.

Delhi
Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi as it is called today, is the richest of the legacies: because the
Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. An important craft that developed during
the time was ivory carving. But then came the ban on ivory. The skilled craftsmen had no
option but change their raw material: they started using bones of buffaloes and camels
instead of ivory.

Zardozi is the art of embroidery with gold thread found in Delhi. These craftsmen work
intricate designs on silk, velvet, and even tissue materials.

The famed meenakari work, where paint is embossed on silver or gold to give it the look
of a precious stone, was once a thriving business 'of Shahjahanabad. Turbulence of Delhi,
ever since Nadir Shah and later the colonial rule, pushed the artisans away to peaceful
climes. This group moved partly to Rajasthan, while those who make bangles from lac
moved to Hyderabad in the Deccan.

Lacquer work bangles are one of the old art forms still alive in Shahjahanabad. Bright
shades of yellow, red, and blue are perked up with tiny pieces of mirrors and gold-colored
borders with beads to add that extra touch.

Common to many parts of Delhi are the potters. Not only do they fashion pots for the hot
summer, they also fashion beautiful clay and papier—méché dolls. These clay dolls, some
as toys and some as decorations and some even as clay idols during festivities, are still
popular with the rural-urban migrants.

Goa
This tiny state in the south western lndian coast is also a home to a variety of handicrafts.
Goan handicrafts include creative pottery, shell work, furniture, brass work, bamboo work,
papier—méché, etc.

The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and lndian
cultures. The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass
metals, seashell craft, papier—mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts
of the state include jute macrame, fabric collage, plaster of Paris, crochet and embroidery,
fiber and batik prints, fiber stone carving, coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver
and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.

Gujarat
From the early civilizations, Gujarat is home to handicraft traditions. The presence of a
kiln at Lothal, one of the sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, 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 colorful and fascinating textiles,
elaborately carved wooden and stone jharokhas and beautiful handcrafted silver jewelry.
ln 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.

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. The ajrakh prints of
the Kutch region and the sodagiri prints of Paithapur are just two examples of Gujarat's
excellently printed textiles. 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 specialized skills.

One cannot ignore the intricate bandhej (tie-dyed fabric) of Jamnagar, Mandavi, and Bhuj,
which are used for wedding outfits. Brocades woven in Jamnagar, Mehsana, Ahmedabad,
and Surat with traditional patterns of popat vel, (stylised parrot-flower borders) or asharfi
(circular gold coin) were once highly prized possessions. Gujarat also has a vibrant
mashru tradition. It is woven with a combination of silk and cotton, the cotton being the
lower layer in touch with the skin.

Heer Bharat
The stark monotony of the desert landscape of Kutch is relieved by the bright shades of
the embroidery created in the region. The embroidered fabrics that come from Banni in
Kutch are embellished with mirrors and beads. The specialty of the embroidery here is the
execution of architectural designs known as the ‘heer bharat’. The stitch derives its name
from the floss-silk (heer). The stitch, almost three inches long runs parallel to the warp in
one part of the motif and to the weft in the other giving it a natural texture. In the center
is a mirror secured with chain-stitch.

Woodcarving
Woodcarving is one of the important crafts in Gujarat, evident in many elaborately carved
temples, havelis (mansions), and palaces as well as objects of daily and ritual use.
Interestingly, wood was never a locally available material and was always imported into
Gujarat from different timber producing regions. It was used as a structural material as
early as 12th century and the Gujarati craftsmen transformed the various components of
the building-the columns, ceilings, struts, doors, windows, balconies, and beam ends into
veritable works of art. Nawab's Palace in Palanpur and intricate jharokhas (windows)
carved out of wood or havelis (mansions) in Vaso with their wealth of wooden
architectural details, are some of the examples of wood carving tradition in Gujarat.

Terracotta‘
Gujarat is also famous for its terracotta work, especially votive terracotta figurines that
one can find in large numbers all along the countryside especially in South Gujarat.

Jewellery
Jewellery is yet another fascinating craft in Gujarat. Each tribe or clan has different types
of ornaments and what is interesting is that many communities have retained their
traditional patterns of dress and ornamentation. Silver is the most commonly used metal
with women of many communities. Gold and semi-precious stone jewellery were the
preserve of the rich Brahmins and Banias. ln tribal areas, silver is used along with coins,
glass beads, cowries, dried grass, seeds, and berries to fashion colourful and vibrant
jewellery. Threads, wool and even plastic buttons are used to great effect to add colour
and gaiety to the jewellery.

Himachal Pradesh
Throughout the year in the hilly regions of picturesque Himachal Pradesh, there takes
place non-stop activities of making several handicrafts. The range of crafts in Himachal is
vast and shows many facets of artistic dexterity. The crafts include textiles, woodcarving,
doll making, architecture, and paintings. It is amazing to see how these hilly people
developed such great tradition of artistic excellence despite their tough life.

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.

The woolen shawls and pattus of Kulu are no less striking. The woolen yarn for the center
spread of the shawl is natural white or cream, while the borders have geometric or floral
designs woven in brightly colored woolen yarn.

Jewellery
The silver jewellery of Himachal Pradesh is one of the oldest handicrafts in the State.
Articles of utility-engraved silver teapots, glasses, lamp stands, fruit trays, and more are
produced.

Jammu & Kashmir

The diverse articles ranging from woolen textiles of fleecy soft texture of matchless
excellence in weaving, hand-woven carpets of finest warp and weft, to the exquisite
designs worked on papier—mache, wood work, silverware, etc. are the products of unique
craftsmanship found in Jammu & Kashmir.

Shawls
A unique position among Kashmir textiles is held by the celebrated shawl known as
Pashimina shawl. The fabric of this shawl is extracted from the smooth fleecy wool of Kel
goat by the handloom artisans who are usually womenfolk. Equally popular is the
celebrated 'ring shawl'. The fabric of this particular shawl is so sleek and smooth that it
can pass effortlessly through a ring and hence the name. Rare and different from the
others is the Jamavar shawl. In this case, the threads of the warp and weft are dyed
before weaving. The peculiar charm of this famous shawl is derived from the symphony of
color schemes depicting architectural and mythological figures intenwoven with landscape
designs.

Carpets
The gabba — a unique type of floor covering is prepared from old woolens in a variety of
forms and designs. Manufacture is localised at Anantnag (lslamabad). Baramulla
specialises in printed gabbas.

Embroidery
The embroidery of Kashmir, called kasida, is world-famous. Varied, rich in colour,
elaborate in detail and exquisite in execution, the kasida patterns are freely drawn by the
naqqash mostly from memory. The finest kasida work, particularly embroidered on shawls
or saris, has no 'wrong' side.
The chain-stitch is also used for the making of a large number of miscellaneous articles
such as bags, screens and cushion covers.

Jharkhand
Jharkhand originally a tribal state is known for its wood work, bamboo works, pitkar
paintings, tribal ornaments and stone carving. The beautifully carved wood products and
bamboo products show the craftsmanship of the people. Lack of promotion and marketing
for these products has mostly resulted in extinction of some crafts like paitkar paintings
and stone carvings.

Karnataka
Karnataka has come to occupy pride of place in the field of woodcarving. The State's
relatively good forest cover provides enough raw material for its craftsmen who continue
to employ age-old techniques to carve, inlay, veneer, paint, and lacquer articles in wood.
Their skill is manifest in the ancient temples where wood has been used extensively, as
also in the intricate fixtures they make for present-day needs in architecture and furniture
making. The lintels and doors of’some old homes in the hilly region and the temple cars in
villages and towns are literally overflowing with hundreds of intricately carved images of
gods and goddesses.

lvory Carving
Ivory carving was yet another popular craft. In recent years, however, because of the ban
imposed on the ivory trade, the craft has received a setback. But you can still find articles
carved very intricately without floral tracery surrounding the figures. The figures are
mostly of Gods with Krishna being featured in several aspects. Some of Mysore's
masterpieces in ivory are now preserved in the Heritage Museum in Russia and in the
South Kensington Museum, London.

Metal Ware
Metal Ware is one craft tradition that engages many families in the state. Metal Ware in
Karnataka has a rich and ancient tradition and the objects serve both religious and secular
needs. The temple town of Udupi is famous for its small images and ritual objects, while
Karkala, an ancient Jain center, is well known for its Jain icons. Mangalore in the west
coast boasts of domestic articles made of bell metal while Nagamangala near Mysore is
celebrated as a center for bronze casting. The bronze makers of Nagamangala have for
centuries displayed delicate and graceful workmanship especially in delineating, in the
most charming manner, the anatomy of the human body.

Carving
Many of the shilpis or stone carvers of Karnataka have won the master craftsmen awards
at the national level while others have been commissioned to carve stone idols for Hindu
temples abroad, especially in the USA. Karnataka has a village called Shivarapatana in the
district of Kolar, where every fourth house is a sculptor's studio.

The very mention of Mysore spells'the fragrance of sandalwood. This soft material is used
extensively to produce charming art pieces. The range of objects and designs are varied
and the gudigar families of Shimoga, Uttara Kannada and Mysore districts specialize in
this craft. Sandalwood lends itself to extremely delicate carving that is needed to
embellish the figures of gods and goddesses. Krishna images are very popular among the
devout, while many prefer to buy utility articles made in sandalwood which include lamp
shades, caskets, trays, jewel boxes, combs and even walking sticks with rosewood
handles.

Doll Making
Kinnal and Gokak in north Karnataka and Channapatna on the Bangalore/Mysore highway
are important centers for doll making. Most of the dolls made are painted with vegetable
dyes while the Channapatna ones are lacquered.

Folk Art and Craft

Some of Karnataka‘s folk arts and age-old rituals have given rise to many traditional
handicrafts. The worship of spirits-the bhuta cult-in the coastal districts has encouraged
the making of huge wooden idols, some of which are kept outside villages as guardians of
the inhabitants. Likewise, the art of puppetry has encouraged many wood carvers and
painters to produce a variety of puppets. In addition to puppets made of wood, Karnataka
also makes leather puppets though the latter are more extensively used and made in
neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Mysore Paintings
The story of Karnataka‘s arts and crafts is never complete without a reference to the
traditional Mysore paintings. The art dates back to the Ajanta times and to the reign of
the Vijayanagar kings. It was a ruler with an artistic vision-Mummadri Krishnaraja
Wadiyar-who revived the art of painting. The delicate lines, the graceful delineation of
figures and the discreet use of bright vegetable colors and lustrous gold leaf, make the
traditional paintings of Mysore very elegant and attractive.

Mysore Silk
Karnataka has contributed a great deal to the progress of India's silk industry.
Karnataka‘s 200-year-old silk industry owes its origin to Tipu Sultan who ruled Mysore
with his capital at Srirangapatna. Tipu showed a very personal interest in sericulture and
sent his people to Bengal to obtain silk worms. He also established 21 centers in his
dominion to rear the silk worm thus providing the required foundation for sericulture in
the region. Sericulture received yet another boost during World War II when parachute
manufacturers needed large quantities of the fabric. Today, Karnataka alone is
contributing 75 per cent of mulberry silk to the nation's production.

Kerala
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.

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.

Metal Work
The temples of Kerala are not left untouched by the magic of Kerala art. Gleaming bell
metal alloyed from a mixture of brass, tin and copper provide the raw substance for
making tower-like lamps, temple bells.

Countryside Wonders
Moving from the temple precincts into the countryside, the craftsmen have found their
source of inspiration from the most insidious sources. The wild grass, the leaves of the
pineapple or whiffs of paddy straw have all become their creative concern. Even the
banana plant, once it has fruited, is incarnated into another life form as banana fibre,
which is woven into floor coverings, each a square foot in size. They are then stitched
together according to the size desired. Rice straw with its luminous golden hue is used to
form a silken collage of native scenery on black silk. The screw pine mat, in its original
state was used as an occasional floor mat or as sleeping mat for the afternoon siesta.
Then the native penchant for innovation took a firmer grip and the yards of matting took a
novel twist. They were hand embroidered and shaped into household linen, straw hats,
and carry bags.

Innovations Unhindered
The poses of dancers in the classical art of Kathakali are now the subject matter of papier
—maché masks. The painted teakwood boxes traditionally used by dancing troupes to
carry their costumes are now picked up avidly as center tables and storage boxes and the
Nettor jewelry box in its unique conical shape, reinforced at the corners with brass
edgings is now a popular curio.

Madhya Pradesh
Thousands of craftsmen practise hand printing, generally with vegetable dyes at a string
of hand printing centers- Jawad, Bhairongarh, Mandsaur, Umedpura, Burhanpur, Bhopal,
Indore, Gotampura, Sohawal and Tarapur.

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.

Textile weaving in Madhya Pradesh is as refined as the hand printing craft. Soft, subtle
shades in delicate weaves come off the looms in Chanderi, near Gwalior. Here, silk is used
as the warp and cotton for the weft to produce the famous Chanderi saris.

Skilled craftsmanship is also on display in a variety of zari-embroidered articles. There are

zari wall hangings, handbags, saris and splendid brocade borders. Even though the
number of zari workers-mostly women-has dwindled in recent years, Bhopal still remains
an important center for this specialized embroidery.

Carpet Weaving
In the princely fort city of Gwalior the carpet weaving made a late debut in 1902. The fine
quality of weaving in imaginative designs soon earned Gwalior's carpet industry an
excellent reputation. Today, more than a thousand looms are in operation in and around
the city.

Other Handicrafts
The craftsmen at Gwalior produce striking papier—maché articles, colored lacquerware,
glass beads, wood, shell and white metal jewelry, terracotta figures and containers, rag
dolls, and toys. Gwalior's Batto Bai dolls, named after a craftswoman, measure some four
to five feet in height. Made of bamboo, paper and rags, these dolls are extremely popular.

Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a large state and as its geography is different, the art and craft traditions
also vary. Maharashtra is the proud home to various artistic techniques, which have
flourished under 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.

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.

Sawantwadi Crafts
Sawantwadi crafts or the style of paintings and varnishing using lacquer appear to have
originated from Sawantwadi around the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th
century. Lacquer ware can be broadly divided into three categories. First, turned lacquer
ware, which is the craft of applying colored lacquer on an object, which is turning on a
lathe, and then polishing and buffing it by means of a kewda leaf. Secondly, painting of
floral borders and motifs on surfaces of objects and thirdly, the painting of mythological,
figures on various surfaces.

Sawantwadi lacquer ware has a large range of products and concentrates on traditional
hand painted and lacquered furniture and light fittings. Ganjifa, card games, which were
played and made in the 18th and 19th centuries, are produced in all varieties and can be
found in private collections and in museums.

Warli Paintings
Warli paintings are the indigenous paintings of the Warli tribe who live in the Thane
district north of Mumbai. The sacred pictographs used rice paste and straw, which was
then smeared on the walls of their modest huts. The main figure was of Palghat, the
goddess of trees and plants, symbolizing creative energy.

Kolhapuri Chappals
Kolhapur, besides being known for its textiles and cottons is also famous for its hand-
made leather sandals or chappals. These leather sandals made in simple style but finished
with great perfection are very popular the world over. The cost depends on the quality of
leather and design, but in general Kolhapuri chappals are reasonable and good value for
money.

Narayan Peth
A traditional Maharashtrian sari usually from around Sholapur, the Narayan Peth sari is
beautifully woven in silk with a contrasting zari border, generally with 'rudraksha' motifs.

Manipur
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 jewelry make for prized souvenirs. These exquisite handlooms and handicrafts are
sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's market in the country.

Cane and Bamboo

Manipur is the largest producer bamboo products after Tripura in the entire north east.
Some of the bamboo products are sofa sets, murhas, mats, basketry, tray, chair, table,
flower vase, ashtray and other decorative and utility articles.

Wood Carving
Wood Carving is also a craft popular in Manipur. Due to absence of proper transport and
communication with other parts of India, craftsmen had to depend on wood as material
for making various articles of utility. The main products are wooden tray, spoon and
drum, etc. to name a few.

Dolls and Toys

Toys of Manipur made from cloth, cotton clay, wood and bamboo, etc. are caricatures of
various animals and birds.

Block Printing
Hand block printing is one of the most favourite art and craft in Manipur. The warriors and
village chiefs were presented with Khamen Chatpa (handblock-printed towel) by the
Maharajah as a token of their courage and leadership. This type of dress is also used in
the religious ceremony. Printing on pillowcovers and bed-sheets are now very common in
Manipur.

Kauna (Water Reed) Mat

Kauna is a type of reed usually grown in the wetlands and marshes. There are two typical
types of the Kauna available in Manipur. This is often used for making mats, and cushion.

Hand-Embroidery
This craft is being practised by both men and women folks in Manipur. A fast-expanding
craft, it involves a simple technique by mounting plain cloth on a help of a needle.
Tablecloth bed-cover, handkerchief, T.V. covers, etc. are the major products.

Meghalaya
Hand weaving is much sought after vocation of the artisans here not only in cloth but also
in cane. 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.

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.

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

Mizoram
The crafts of Mijoram are made from the resources available locally with adroit patterns
and unique designs. The traditional craft of Mizos can be seen in their exquisite cane and
bamboo work - where both utilitarian and decorative pieces find pride of place.

Nagaland
The t'ribals of Nagaland are adept at crafting different art works. Their handicraft products
find ready market in the country as well as abroad.

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.

Wood-carving
The best woodcarvings 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. 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.

Bamboo Work
The forests in Nagaland are rich in Bamboo and cane. Naturally therefore, Nagas are
expert basket makers. The craft is restricted to men. Baskets are usually of two kinds,
one to be kept in the house for storage purposes and the other to be carried on the back
for day-to day use. The Ao (tribe's) basket is conical in shape, while the Angami basket is
cylindrical with the mouth slightly wider than the base.

Apart from the baskets, the Nagas also make mats and shields with bamboo. The Changs
make attractive chungas or drinking cups. Necklaces, armlets and leggings are made of
cane.

Blacksmithy
Blacksmithy or metal works, though a comparatively recent craft, is more popular. The
smiths produce the normal requirements of villagers like the Dao, axe, sickle, knives,
spear points and butts etc.

Orissa
Orissa a divine landmass on the coastal plains of Eastern India, is a place where the magic
of artisans and craftsmen through their deft hands attains the desired shape. The
enthralling craftwork on different surfaces carried out by them, is a perfect medium to get
a glimpse of beautiful world of craftsmen's imagination. Every house is an art factory here
in this state. Oriya people are art-freaks by nature and they revere all forms of art be it
visual or otherwise. Veneration of art and craft is profoundly entrenched in Socio-religious
structure of Lord Jagannath land.

Glimpses of the craft technologies dating back over several thousand years can be seen
from the shop windows of Bhubaneswar. The tie and dye or ikat technique of Orissa is, for
instance, an ancient intricate process of dyeing yarn in segments to produce bold,
beautiful patterns on the loom while weaving.

Weaving Craft
The royal Mauryan textile workshops that were established more than 2000 years ago
employed spinners, weavers and embroiderers. In the course of time, temple towns such
as Bhubaneswar became home for many weaving communities. Orissa is an important
part of the great weaving belt that stretches through Assam and other North-Eastern
states like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Eloquent and realistic, the fabrics (a variety of
silks, tussar, and cotton) and designs (tribal, traditional, and modern) on display at
Bhubaneswar have found a good export market. The hosting of textile exhibitions and
handloom expositions is an annual feature at Bhubaneswar.

Tradition of Palm Leaf Writing

The ancient art of palm leaf writing still survives away from the shops and bazaars, in
some friendly Oriyan household or in a temple or at an astrologer's place. Religious texts
continue to be read out from palm leaf manuscripts rather than from printed books.
Horoscopes, too, are traditionally written on palm leaves by professional horoscope
makers known as 'nahakas’. Palm leaf was considered so sacred that even the invention of
printing press could not reduce the writing of, important texts on the leaves instead of
paper. The printing of New Year cards and wedding invitations on palm leaf is still popular
in Orissa.
World of Appliqué
The artisans of Pipli, a village 40 km from Puri on the Bhubaneswar-Puri route, have
perfected the art of applique. The specimens crafted by them now decorate homes in
various parts of the world. Appliqué work in Orissa also originated as a temple art.
Coloured cloth, after being cut and shaped into the forms of birds, animals, flowers,
leaves, and other decorative motifs is stitched onto a cloth piece designed as a wall
hanging, garden or beach umbrella, a lamp shade and other utility items.

Saris and household linen in appliqué work are also being produced in increasing number
since the past decade or so. Tiny mirrors in a whole range of geometrical shapes and
designs are then encapsulated by thread embroidery to create a striking work of art. Four
basic traditional colours - red, yellow, white and black are used, while green has been
added in comparatively recent times. Besides Puri, appliqué work is also practised to some
extent in Chitki, Barpali, and a couple of other places.

Metal Craft
Puri is also home to a group of skilled craftsmen who specilalise in minute metal work.

Cuttack is famous worldwide for the unimitable delicate craft of tarkashi or silver filigree
work. Silver is beaten and drawn into fine wires and foils, which are then joined together
to form articles-generally ornaments-of stirring beauty. The snow glazed filigree work or
tarkashi of Cuttack was once sought after by royal households and merchants from far
and wide.

Horn work of Cuttack is also popular beside its famed tarkashi. Buffalo and cow horns are
used by skilled artisans to produce artistically designed ashtrays, jewellery, figures of
birds and animals.

Punjab
Different corners of Punjab are the traditional workshops where marvellous pieces of
handicrafts are given life. Beside Phulkari there are other captivating crafts which are
groomed only in Punjab. E.g. Pidhis. They 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. 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.

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. A good place to buy jootis is Patiala-once the proud capital of the Sikh Maharajas.

Muktsar, near Faridkot, is also a good center for purchasing jootis. Known for the
production of two varieties-khosa and kasuri.

Durries
In the villages, women weave durries (a pile less cotton spread, which can be used on a
bed or on the floor). The durries are woven in different sizes, patterns-geometrical,
animals, birds, leaves and flowers-and colors. Nikodar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran
and Anandpur Sahib offer a vast variety of durries.
Phulkari
Phulkari work is one of the most fascinating expressions of the Punjabi folk art. It has also
been customary for parents and relatives to give hand-embroidered clothes to girls in
dowry. This is a kind of women's dress used a special cover to be worn over the shirt
which women traditionally don. It actually formed part of the brides trousseau and was
associated with various ceremonies preliminary to the wedding during which it used to be
embroidered. The cloth used for making this, is generally in red or maroon colour and the
thread employed in the close embroidery is made of silk in gold, yellow, crimson red, blue
and green colours.

In the Phulkari work, the whole cloth is covered with close embroidery and almost no
space is left uncovered. The piece of cloth thus embroidered is called ‘baag’, meaning a
garden. If only the sides are covered it is called ‘chope’. The back ground is generally
maroon or scarlet and the silken thread used is mostly golder. Colour schemes show a rich
sensitiveness. Some Phulkaris are embroidered with various motifs of birds, animals,
flowers and sometimes scenes of village life.

Rajasthan
Even in the past centuries in Rajasthan several ateliers were created where artists were
treated with due respect and paintings, jewelry and pottery, stone and wood carving,
textile and rug weaving, was accorded due place. Jaipur’s bazaar, like those of Jodhpur
and Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota and countless other towns, are a source of endless fascination.

Tie-and-Dye Textiles
The traditional art of tie-and-dye textiles by dexterously knotting the material and dipping
it in colour to form delicate bandhej patterns is found all over the state. Laheriyas or the
delicately created patterns in waves are dyed mostly in Udaipur. Jodhpur, on the other
hand, is famous for its pachranga or five-coloured bandhej on saris, odhnis, or mantles
and safas or turbans. Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar has rows of shops dealing in tie-and-dye
fabrics and saris.

Also available all over Rajasthan are the fine self-check—weave cotton saris from Kota.
These gossamer-fine saris, excellent for summer wear, are available in plain colours or
printed in subtle floral patterns in soft pastel shades.

Hand block printing is not only a traditional form of imparting motifs and colour on fabric,
mostly cotton, but is also an eco-friendly form of printing on textiles. Metre upon metre of
fabric is printed meticulously by hand using wooden blocks and vegetable dyes.

Quilting
Another Rajasthani speciality is the quilt. Almost no shopping expedition to Rajasthan is
complete without buying at least one feather-soft and feather-light Jaipuri razai as these
quilts are called. Though these quilts are available all over the state, it is in Jaipur that
they have reached a degree of perfection. Available in beautiful colours with Sanganeri
prints,.bright tie-dyed materials, marble prints on cotton or in brightly hued velvet, they
weigh very little yet are comfortingly warm.

Jewellery
Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar or Jeweler’s mart has row upon row of shops selling handcrafted
jewellery. Loose precious and semi-precious stones are crafted all together into an
excellent range of the country’s most dramatic settings in gold. Kundan, a style of inlay
setting of unpolished diamonds and other stones and Meenakari or the art of enamelled
gold jewellery, are exclusive to Jaipur.

Gems and Stones

Jaipur is the world’s largest gem cutting centre and therefore the best place to pick up
strings of garnets, amethysts or quartz at prices so low that they are difficult to believe.
The traditional silver jewelry-chains, bangles, belts, anklets, earrings-are manufactured by
bangle makers all over Rajasthan. To make it the collector’s items, the jewelry is studded
with glass, stones and painted with a rich patina of colors too.

Blue Pottery
Apart from hand block printed fabrics, Sanganer is also famous for producing handmade
paper and blue pottery. The art of making glazed blue pottery, though originally from
Persia, was brought to Jaipur by Sawai Ram Singh II. This unique art of pottery does not
use clay but resorts to crushed quartz.

Leather Craft
You can’t go far in Rajasthan without wanting to possess a pair of the handcrafted slip-on
shoes called jootis. The leather is tanned and dyed and made into incredibly soft yet
remarkably sturdy footwear. The upper part of the jooti is embellished with embroidery,
studded with brass nails or cowrie shells, punched, sequined, stitched-the decorations and
designs varying with the region.

Bikaner is famous for using the inner hide of the camel in an extraordinary fashion. The
hide is scraped till it becomes translucent and then molded into lampshades, vases,
perfume vials and photo frames. Bikaner is also famous for its hand-knotted woolen
carpets and Jaipur for its extensive range of cotton rugs called durries.

Woodcarving
Jodhpur and Ramgarh in the Shekhawati region are important centers of woodcarving.
Intricately carved doors, windows, dowry chests, picture, and mirror frames are produced
on the same lines as craftsmen produced centuries ago. To make them look aged, these
reproductions are acid washed, left out in the open under the sun, chipped and marked.

Paintings
Paintings are a special buy and many lndian homes patronize Rajasthani painters.
‘Pichwais’ are the least expensive, unless they are painted by a master artist and finished
in gold. Miniature paintings re-enact historical episodes or mythical tales in Schools that
have come to be identified with the different kingdoms that merged in Rajasthan. Udaipur
and Jaipur miniatures can be recognized by their fine brush strokes, the ‘Bundi’ and ‘Kotah
Kalams’ are known for their scenes of battle and of shikar (hunts) while the Kishangarh
School does portraits with Radha-Krishna as the principal characters. Nathdwara, a place
of pilgrimage close to Udaipur, furnishes paintings of Krishna in a characteristic style.

Udaipur with its Shilpgram has a wealth of terracotta panels and figures. Barmer is known
for the quality of its mirror-embossed embroidery. From Jaisalmer come the warm though
coarse shawls and blankets woven with geometrical motifs and patterns.

Sikkim
High mountains, flushing channels and fascinating greenery of Himalayan prodigy Sikkim
is widely known for not only its picturesque beauty but for some magnificent craftwork
also like woven woolen carpets, table called ‘Choktse’, hand made paper, Woolen blankets
and traditional motifs and unique designs.

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

Choktse, the foldable table from Sikkim is one of the well known product in lndia 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 appliqué work, batiks, an exquisite selection of dolls and a variety of
fashionable garments for modern people are the other specialties of the state.

Tamil Nadu
Tamilnadu is an important state in the southern part of India. Standing on the coasts of
Bay of Bengal this state is gifted with plenty of handicrafts and master craftsmen.
Handicrafts vary from sea products to enthralling stone structures. Some important crafts
of the state are discussed below:

Jewelry
As in other parts of lndia, Tamil Nadu has its own traditional jewelry-especially the stone-
encrusted jewelry, which reached its pinnacle here. The ornaments, which are most
common to this part of south lndia are the oddiyaanam (gold waist belt), vanki (armlet)
and jimiki (eardrop), which are traditionally crafted and finished with great dexterity. The
jimiki is a bell-shaped ear jewel set in coloured stones with pearls hanging at the lower
end, and hangs from the lotus shaped kammal of diamonds or rubies worn on the lower
lobe of the ear.

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.

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 centers for this craft are situated around Thanjavur, which has also produced some
of the country's finest musicians.

Tripura
Cane and Bamboo craft are the main crafts of Tripura. 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
color combinations and lasting texture.

Handlooms
Handloom is the oldest industry in the State and the tribal people produce their own
clothes with elegant designs, unique color combinations and lasting texture. The
traditional items produced include Risa and Riha.

Uttaranchal
Uttaranchal is a land mass surrounded by the Himalyan rocks from north side where snow
laden peaks provide the touch of white beauty. The snow-clad region is famous for its
temple architecture, wood carving, paintings and traditional ornaments.

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 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.

Paintings
Garhwal, is famous for Mughal style of paintings introduced by a Mughal prince. A rich
collection of these paintings is 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 practised by the women folk of
Kumaon. Another kind of painting is known as Peeth, where floor of the seat of Gods and
goddesses is decorated with geometrical patterns.

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.

Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a large state not only in terms of population but in area too. The
maximum areas of Uttar Pradesh were being directly ruled by many historical monarchs.
The royal patronage on several crafts help Uttar Pradesh evolve into an important centre
of handicrafts.

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.

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.

Jewelry
The jewelers of this region specialize in making lightweight, hollow gold and silver
ornaments, with emphasis on filigree and open work. Semi-precious stones, artificial
pearls, glazed quartz, and glass are used to recreate elegant old designs, which can pass
off as family heirlooms.

West Bengal
The West Bengal heritage of handicrafts is legendary. The exquisite texture of Baluchari
Sarees, Silk and Tasar Textile from Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, Hoogly and Nadia
districts have become the Choice of the Century. The fascinating handloom textiles of the
same regions as mentioned above are now attracting world-wide attention. Besides the
garment materials, jute products, wood and cane products, conch-shell products, brass
wares and folk dolls and handicrafts belonging to different schools of art as Dokra art etc.
now embellish a large many drawing rooms.
Artistic Leather Craft
A fine example of contemporary art and craft, the Bengal leather crafts owe their
widespread popularity and development due to some innovative work done by gifted
artists at Santiniketan.

Masks
The use of masks has come down from the primitive ages. The masks generally made
here are of mythological character and the material used is paper mache painted in bright
colours. They are used for rituals and folk festivals and as decorative items for homes.

Terracota
This is one of the most ancient forms of art in Bengal and the association with religion has
given it a different dimension. The traditional potters or "Khumbhakars" have been
producing domestic and decorative items by moulding dry and burnt clay over the ages.

Clay Dolls
Clay fantasies of real-life stylized, sometimes even graphic in their representations, mark
traditional Indian clay dolls and toys. But the dolls and figurines of Krishnanagar in
Bengal, are unique in their realism and the quality of their finish. Patronized by Maharaja
Krishnachandra himself in the late 18th century, they truly represent a breakaway from
the traditional form.

Dhokra
Along with many other states, Bengal shares the folk art of Dhokra initially practiced by a
nomadic clan. The technique of Dhokra is "Cire Perdue" or lost wax process in which
metal, mainly brass, scrap is used. Traditional folk motifs and techniques have been
maintained.

Rag Dolls
This craft roots from a Japanese influence, but has lately gained immense popularity in
Bengal. Made with small cloth, cotton & wool, these are used by children and for
decorative purposes.

Sholapith
Bengal is famous for its sholapith items for marriages & festivals and serve as decoration
items for wall hangings etc.

Brass & Bell Metal

Archaeological evidence indicates that Bengal’s metallurgists too were practising the art
and science of metal workings as early as 2 nd millennium b.c. Artisans of Bankura,
Bishnupur, Ghatal and Chandanpur in Midnapore, have a superb lineage of shaped and
engraved brass and bell metal work.

Wood Carvings
Wood is widely used for making toys and decorative panels. Kalighat dolls & Natungram
wood carvings are worth mentioning. Image made in wood relate back to traditional icons,
deities some of them stylised to a modern look.

New materials and innovative techniques are being used by the artisans to produce useful
and aesthetic products. Folk motifs and ingredients are being effectively used for a greater
market.

Horn Work
The early pages of Indian civilization are full of descriptions of ‘horn combs’, which
adorned the tresses of women in ancient times. In shining black and translucent shades of
greys, Bengal horn work is still a fascinating craft.
Ceramic
This is a tradition built up in contemporary times-several centuries of interaction with
foreign craftsmen and a legacy left to us by many years of British rule. The craft,
however, is today flourishing in and around Calcutta and in some places in Birbhum
district. New ceramic technologies have joined hands with a heritage of handicrafts to
produce a range of fine, glazed ceramic products for decoration, dolls, toys, wall-
hangings, household pottery and industrial application.

Jute Products
Jute, the ‘golden fibre’ has traditionally been woven and knotted and braided by women of
Bengal, often for domestic storage. Jute as a fabric was much popular in ancient times.
Today Bengal is not only a major producer of jute goods ranging from plush jute-blended
carpets, to decorative tapestries, garden pot hangings, decorative hand bags, bedspreads
and more. In 50 villages of the Kaliaganj area in West Dinajpur, the process of colouring,
weaving of jute on single loom goes on, as the world outside turns once again to this
wonderful natural fibre.

Sandalwood Carving
Earlier; elephant tusks were carved into great and tiny delicate pieces of art by master
craftsmen of Khagra and Jiaganj in Murshidabad district. But then the elephant population
stood threatened, ecological disaster became imminent and so a ban came upon ivory.
But that did not stop the wizardry of the craftsmen. Their deft fingers found the aromatic,
oily sandalwood as an ideal substitute. And so those legendary ivory creations grew in
sandalwood.