The Captivating Arts and Handicrafts of India
From the Indus Valley Civilization to modern-day handmade goods, Indian handicrafts have a distinct heritage. Indian handicraft has always been a big aspect of their culture. India has been known for thousands of years for its art and wonderful handicrafts, which are still popular around the world. So, let's learn about the famous Indian handicrafts and their beauty together.
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Aranmula Kannadi, Kerala- Aranmula Kannadi is a handcrafted mirror created in the small Kerala village of Aranmula. Handmade metal alloy mirrors are considered auspicious in the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple and are protected as a geographical indication.
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Kalamkari, Andhra Pradesh- Kalamkari is derived from two words: Kalam, which means pen, and Kari, which means effort. This traditional craft is primarily done with tamarind and natural dyes on cotton or silk fabric. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton cloth created in Andhra Pradesh with a 3000-year heritage. The dyeing, bleaching, hand painting, block printing, starching, cleaning, and other activities involved in creating this work of art take a total of 23 hours. Mythological creatures, peacocks, flowers, elephants, horses, and fish are among the motifs seen in Kalamkari paintings. Kalamkari art primarily uses natural-based colours such as indigo, mustard, rust, black, and green.
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Rogan Art, Gujarat- The skill is thought to have originated in Persia around 300-400 years ago, and it was frequently employed to create bridal gowns during the time. The Muslim community has passed down this art form from generation to generation, with pieces of art being given to a number of high-profile visitors, including Mr. Barack Obama. In the village of Nirona, noted for its famous ‘Rogan art,' only two households are the sole living stewards of this craft. The word ‘rogan' means ‘oil,' and the paint is prepared by boiling castor oil for two or three days. Natural colours are added to the remaining forms. To keep them moist, they are stored in earthen pots with water.
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Brass and Copper Utensil Making, Punjab- The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India, have a traditional brass and copper utensil making craft that was placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru is a traditional Punjabi technique for making brass and copper utensils. Copper, brass, and specific alloys - the metals utilised – are said to be advantageous to one's health. The method starts with obtaining cooled metal cakes that are flattened into thin plates and then hammered into curved shapes, resulting in small bowls, rimmed plates, larger pots for water and milk, and other artefacts.
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Bamboo and Cane Craft, Assam- The state's jungles give an unending supply of bamboo and cane to Assamese artists, allowing them to showcase their skills to the rest of the world. Bamboo and cane are used to manufacture common products such as bamboo mats, bamboo and cane furniture, bamboo and cane walking sticks, bamboo and cane baskets, bamboo hand fans and hats, musical instruments, bows and arrows, and so on. Utensils and beer glasses are also made from bamboo. Assam's life and culture are inextricably linked to bamboo.
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Channapatna Toys, Karnataka- Channapatna Toys and Dolls are traditional wooden crafts made in the Bangalore district's Channapatna town. The geographical indication of Karnataka protects these wooden toys and dolls.
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Red and Black Pottery, Tamil Nadu- The centre, which is located on the premises of Auroville, an experimental city that aspires to be a universal community, attempts to reconcile Auroville's worldwide culture with Tamil Nadu's rural traditional culture. Tamil Nadu is known for its red and black pottery, and a village trip is the greatest way to learn about this tradition firsthand. You can not only buy the pottery straight from the potters, but you can also meet them and watch them work. These hamlet trips are offered by Mohanam, a cultural centre whose name means "Harmony" in Tamil.
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Madhubani Paintings, Bihar- Nature, Hindu religious symbols, and natural elements such as the sun and moon are depicted in Madhubani paintings, and the subjects naturally revolve around Hindu deities. Twigs, brushes, nib pens, matchsticks, and even fingers are among the various painting implements. Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, is a traditional Bihar folk art that is well-known throughout the world. It was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls of huts by village women, but currently it is done on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas. Colors are taken from plants, as they are in many other traditional Indian handicrafts.
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Bidriware Handicrafts, Karnataka- Bidriware handicrafts are made in the Bidar town and are protected by the Indian Geographical Indications Ordinance. Metal handcraft is a major export handicraft from India, as well as a well-known artistic metallic work around the world.
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Bagh Printing, Madhya Pradesh- Bagh printing, a traditional woodblock technique that uses natural colours and organic shapes on treated cotton, stands out. Traditional reds, browns, and blacks are made from minerals and vegetables found in the area. Decorative fabrics and utilitarian products such as shirts, skirts, bags, and scarves feature the elaborate patterns. Visit The Tribal Museum in Bhopal for an excellent overview of tribal arts and culture. Alternatively, visit one of the Mrignayanee showrooms to browse a wide range of traditional crafts. This Bhopal-based state-owned emporium is dedicated to preserving traditional and non-traditional crafts and craftspeople.
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Kondapalli Toys, Andhra Pradesh- Kondapalli toys are wooden toys created in Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh, using softwood known as Tella Poniki, which can be found in abundance in the adjacent Kondapalli hills. It's a 400-year-old craft that's been passed down through the generations. Mythology, folklore, rural life, birds, and animals are among the themes. The Dasavatharam is the most famous. The process of creating toys involves entire families. To dry the wood's moisture content, it is first subjected to a gradual heating procedure. After that, the wood is cut out and the edges are smoothed out. The toy's limbs are carved individually and then attached to the body.
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Thanjavur Dolls, Tamil Nadu- Thanjavur Dolls are a type of traditional Indian bobble head dancing doll that has been designated as a Geographical Indication by the Indian government. Thanjavur Doll and Thanjavur Painting are two well-known Indian traditional dolls and paintings.
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Pashmina Shawls, Kashmir- Pashmina is a very fine form of wool, and its textiles are first woven in Kashmir. Cashmere wool is used to make Pashmina shawls, which are then shipped to Kashmir Valley in North India, where they are fully handcrafted. Every stage in the process of making the shawls – combing, spinning, weaving, and finishing – is completed entirely by the hands of skilled craftsmen and women. The old and lovely city of Srinagar is the centre of this wonderful fabric industry. It takes about 180 hours to make a single Pashmina shawl. These lovely shawls are available in a variety of lovely colours and include intricate stitching. In addition to their attractiveness, they are supremely soft and delicate.
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Handmade Masks of Majuli, Assam- Majuli, India 's biggest river system island, is also recognised for traditional art and handicrafts such as mask manufacturing. The practise of Neo-Vaishnavite culture, which began with Sri Sankaradeva and swept Assam over 600 years ago, is inextricably linked with Majuli mask manufacture in Assam. Originally, these masks were utilised for Bhaona, a traditional song and dance performance. The masks are now utilised as decorative items as well as for performances. The masks are made of bamboo, cloth, and clay from the area. This is a lengthy procedure. Colors are then added to enhance the masks' appearance. Characters from Hindu mythology such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are commonly represented by these masks.
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Sholapith, West Bengal- Sholapith is one of India's most inventive crafts. Sholapith, also known as Indian cork, is a spongy, dry milk-white material made from trees that is pressed and moulded into various art forms. In West Bengal, Sholapith craft is mostly employed in Bengali weddings and to embellish idols. In West Bengal, Sholapith craftsmen are known as Malakars because they sell decorative goods. For manufacturing idols and decorations, this technique is in high demand among Indians residing overseas.
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Wood Crafts of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh- Lacy arts and wood carving are well-known in Saharanpur. Saharanpur is recognised for its wood carving, as well as its cottage industry and agricultural products.
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Phulkari, Punjab- The phulkari embroidery style is known as flower work in Punjab and Haryana. The term was once used to describe embroidery, but it was later limited to embroidered headscarves and shawls. Phulkari is a type of needlework that uses horizontal and vertical threads to create complicated designs. The entire work is done with yellow or white silk floss on cotton khaddar, and it begins at the ‘chashm-e-bulbul' in the centre of the fabric. It then spreads across the entire cloth surface. This needlework is incredibly colourful and vivid. Modern fashion designers are combining these motifs into their outfits since embroidery has very sophisticated features, and it is commonly used on bags, coats, table-mats, cushion covers, slippers, shoes, dresses, and many other items.
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Ajrakh Print, Gujarat- The word ‘Ajrakh' comes from Persia and means ‘Blue.' Ajrakh Printing is done with wooden blocks that are pounded into the fabric with a lot of energy. The material is then dyed in a base colour and allowed to dry. The technique is repeated until lovely colours and patterns appear. The dying process consists of 14 to 16 stages, with the printing process taking two to three weeks to complete! Ajrakh print is a resist-dyed textile that is block-printed with natural dyes such as indigo. The red and blue colours, floral designs, and geometric patterns identify the Ajrakh Print manufactured by the Khatri Community of Gujarat.
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Warli Painting, Maharashtra- It is without a doubt one of India's most well-known works of art. It is a tribal art form that developed in the state of Maharashtra. Mother Nature is the one who does it. Mother nature, animals, and nature are at the centre of the painting. The Warli tribes often use Warli artwork to decorate their homes. Warli art is now used to inspire fashion, and you can find it in dress materials and other home decor items.
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Jutti, Punjab- In Amritsar and Patiala, jutti footwear is traditionally crafted of leather. Threads are delicately stitched on Nagra Juti, Punjabi jutti, and Mojari, which are worn with traditional clothes like sherwani and kurta pyjama.
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Marble Stone Crafts of Agra, Uttar Pradesh- In India, the state of Uttar Pradesh is known for its stone carving and handicrafts. The beautifully carved palaces and forts bear witness to this imperial obsession. Carving, engraving, sculptures, and undercuts combine to create this stunning work of art on the stone. Each design is created by carving many gorgeous patterns into the rich stone. Marble and soapstone are the most common materials used by the artisans. In India and many other nations, these wonderful handicrafts are in high demand. The buyers are enthralled by the intrinsic works on white marble. The marble handicrafts can be utilised for both personal and commercial purposes.
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Pattachitra Paintings, Odisha- Pattachitra's origins can be traced back to the holy city of Puri. It used to be a scroll-based fabric painting, but nowadays artists use paper, glass bottles, coconut shells, palm leaves, and other materials. Pattachitra is an ancient Indian art form that developed in the Indian state of Odisha. These paintings mostly represent folk legends and Hinduism-related images. Self-motivated painters, the best of whom may be found in Raghurajpur near Puri in Odisha, keep this 1,000-year-old art style alive. At least one Pattachitra painter lives in every family in this village, and some of them have won national prizes for their work. Only natural mineral and vegetable colours, such as black derived from burnt coconut shells and white made from conch shells, are used, staying true to the original form. Producing an original work of art necessitates a great deal of patience.
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Dokra, Chhattisgarh- Dokra is another one of the country's remarkable crafts, manufactured from nonferrous metal casting utilising the lost-wax casting method. Dokra artisans are in high demand, not only in the domestic but also in the international market. Dokra figurines depicting various persons and religious figures, as well as Dokra animals such as horses, elephants, and owls, are well-known crafts.
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Khurja Pottery, Uttar Pradesh- Khurja Pottery, made in the Bulandshahr district's Khurja, is protected under the Geographical Indication. These are traditional Indian pottery works that are sold in India and abroad.
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Banarasi Silk, Varanasi- Varanasi is a cultural centre noted for music, the arts, culinary specialties, and textiles, in addition to being a religious pilgrimage destination. Banarasi silk and saris created from this luxurious fabric are particularly famous in the city. Since the beginning of time, Varanasi, also known as Benares, has been a major weaving centre. Emperor Akbar (1542-1605) was a big fan of zari art, which is needlework done with pure gold or silver threads, and he promoted it during his reign. Though Banarasi silk saris come in four different forms, the pure silk ones with rich zari work are the most well-known. Making genuine Banarasi silk saris takes time and effort, and the gold and silver threads are costly. These treasures might cost anywhere from $100 to $3,000. Unfortunately, you must be cautious to avoid purchasing a fake, which uses copper alloys instead of gold and silver. Look for a Geographical Indication (GI) certification when purchasing from a reputable source.
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Kashmiri Rug, Kashmir- Kashmir rugs, often known as Kashmir carpets, are a well-known Indian handcraft. It is a hand-knitted and unique Kashmiri rug that undoubtedly necessitates extensive labour, making it recognised around the world. It has a flowery design as well as other elements. The rug weavers of Kashmir have passed down their knowledge of carpet weaving from generation to generation. People will undoubtedly want to add this lovely rug to their collections.
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Puppetry, Rajasthan- The string puppet theatre of Rajasthan, also known as kathputli, is one of the most well-known forms of Indian puppetry and woodwork handicrafts. The puppets are controlled by a single string that passes from the puppet's head, since it is a string marionette. The puppets are called kathputli since they are entirely made of wood. It is, however, made of cotton cloth and metal wires. This show has been performed by several Rajasthani communities since ancient times, making it an indelible part of Rajasthani culture and custom. Historically, the shows raised public awareness of social issues and provided social and moral education.
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Azulejos, Goa- Azulejos are hand-painted tiles that the Portuguese initially introduced to Goa. The tiles' favourite colour combinations were blue and yellow, which depicted primarily floral designs and religious motifs, though new themes and colours are being added currently. These wonderful hand painted tiles feature family pictures, name plates, images from everyday life, landscapes, and sceneries. These tiles can now be seen in abundance in many of Goa's historic churches.
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Sankheda Furniture, Gujarat- Sankheda Furniture is a type of painted wood furniture created in Gujarat's Sankheda town. The product is covered under India's Geographical Indications.
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Coconut Shell Handicrafts, Kerala- Since the difficulty involved in carving out the fine designs on a strong surface, this gorgeous eco-friendly handicraft from Kerala necessitates aesthetics and expertise. This is one of the Kerala craftsmen' traditional handicrafts, and they carve out beautiful collectibles such as sugar containers, boxes of all shapes and sizes, and showpieces with brass edges.
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Nakashi Paintings, Telangana- The old 15th-century miniature scroll painting known as Nakshi may be found in Cheriyal, a village near Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana. Often mistakenly attributed to Mughal Usta art, its nomenclature became changed over time during the Nizam rulers, and it is now known as Nakashi or Cheriyal paintings. In the early 15th century, the Nakash scrolls began as a visual prop for the ‘Kaaki padagollu' community, the bygone bards, to entertain various hamlets in the lack of technology. Each scroll had up to 50 frames representing major moments from Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as local folklore.
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Kinnal Toys, Karnataka- Kinnal Toys, also known as Kinnal Craft, are a type of toy that originated in the Indian state of Karnataka. Toys and deity figures are made with Kinnal craft. It is a classic woodworking craft. There is also a geographical indicator on this. The final Kinnal artisans are known as Chitragara, and they manufacture Kinnal crafts using a unique process. There are also some works that aim to bring this art form back to life. This is, without a doubt, one of India's proudest crafts.
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Lippan Kaam, Gujarat- Lippan kaam is made up of mud and mirrors. It's also known as chittar kaam, and it's a traditional Kutch mural craft. We still don't know much about lippan kaam's origins, but several communities in Kutch have their own particular style of this artwork, making it difficult to trace its roots. The faeces of the camel and wild ass is utilised as a binding agent since it is high in fibres. The mud is sieved to extract fine particles, which are then utilised to make the clay. To make the lippan kaam, equal parts clay and mud are combined together and kneaded into a dough. It features a variety of embroidered patterns and is stunning when paired with mirrors.
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Sarkanda Craft, Haryana- The Sarkanda craft is found in the rich state of Haryana. Haryana is known for its abundance of Sarkanda plants. When the golden white plant dries up in the winter, it is harvested and transformed into a variety of products. Murrah is a term for the thicker sections of the plant that are used to produce tools. Sarkanda grass is used to make a variety of handcrafted items, including Changeri. It's a shallow basket produced traditionally with a coiling technique and often with a lead. Women also make boiya, a roti/bread basket, in addition to Changeri. Sarkanda grass is also used to make hand fans and the indhi, which is used as a support foundation for holding water pots on the head.
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Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Karnataka- Mysore Rosewood inlay works are made in the Mysore region and have been given the Geographical Indication tag by the Indian government.
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Durries, Madhya Pradesh- Madhya Pradesh's Durries are one of the two carpet types manufactured in the state. These thick cotton carpets are among the finest examples of Indian craftsmanship. They are woven using the punja technique and come in a variety of bright colours, colourful patterns, and folk themes such as birds and animal motifs, as well as geometric weaves.
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Tie & Dye, Gujarat- There are various names in India for this lovely skill, which vary depending on how the fabric is tied. We discovered experienced tie dye artisans in Bhuj, Gujarat, near the Pakistani border, who have been practising this art for centuries. Tie-dye is an English term that refers to the process of tying sections of a fabric together and dyeing it in various ways. The final print is only visible after the ties have been released at the end of the procedure.
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Gond Art, Madhya Pradesh- Gond art is a kind of painting derived from tribal and folk art that is practised by Gond artists, one of India's largest tribes. These tribes are mostly found in Madhya Pradesh, but they can also be found in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. These artists' work is informed by their culture and folklore. As a result, story-telling is an important part of every artwork. The Gond paintings depict a human's deep relationship with his natural surroundings. They also display imagery from their dreams and daily life, or use Indian mythology and myths as a motif.
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Thangka Painting, Arunachal Pradesh- A Thangka artwork is constructed out of a painted or embroidered picture panel on which a textile is mounted and then a cover, generally made of silk, is applied. A Thangka is a Buddhist painting made of cotton and silk appliqué that depicts a Buddhist deity, a Buddhist scene, or a Mandala. It is not only used to decorate dwellings, but it is also a significant means of religious expression. Buddha, bodhisattvas, goddesses, humans, stupas, animals, plants, and flowers are among the subjects covered. Enlightened beings' ideal bodily shape must be precisely orientated in reference to the centre axis, and each body part must be perfectly proportioned. A minor inaccuracy alters the Thangka's accuracy, and thus its sacred worth. This art form's composition is highly geometric.
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Silver Filigree, Telangana- Karimnagar Silver Filigree is an ancient art form created by highly trained and experienced artisans. Silver filigree, another well-known style of silver Filigree art from Cuttack in Tarakasi, uses gold and silver.
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Chowk Poorna, Punjab- This old Punjabi tradition is plastering the home walls with mud and then drawing various shapes, figures, patterns, and motifs on the wet mud before it dries. On festival events such as Dushera, Karva Chauth, Holi, Diwali, and others, it is usually performed by Punjabi rural women.
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Madhav Mala Wood Crafts, Andhra Pradesh- Wood carving is one of the oldest art forms that has survived the test of time. This craft takes on a mystical aspect in Madhavmala, a small Indian town. The settlement is near Tirupati, a well-known temple town in South India. The art of wood carving flourished in the area due to the presence of temples. Beautiful doors, pillars, cornices, idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, bas reliefs in wood, and much more were carved by artists. The government, in partnership with an NGO, has developed Project Sanskriti, which promotes sustainable tourism in the hamlet, in order to help conserve this historic craft and provide a sustainable model for the area.
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Water Hyacinth Crafts, Assam- Water hyacinth is a free-floating plant that can be found in abundance in Assam's ponds, rivers, and lakes. Water hyacinth has long been seen as a nuisance plant that chokes marine life, obstructs water transit, and serves as a mosquito breeding ground. However, in recent years, the stem of the water hyacinth plant has been used to manufacture exquisite water hyacinth handicrafts such as purses, handbags, baskets, and laundry bins, which not only saves the environment but also provides a source of income for many Assamese rural people.
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Thanjavur Art Plate, Tamil Nadu- The Thanjavur Art Plate is a circular plate created exclusively in Thanjavur for use as a gift. Silver, bronze, and copper are used to make the artefact.
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Blue Pottery, Rajasthan- Jaipur's blue pottery originated in Persia, but it is now generally recognised as a traditional Jaipur specialty. Quartz, powdered glass, stone powder, borax, multani mitti, gum, and water are used to make blue pottery. The term, on the other hand, is derived from the cobalt blue dye that was used to colour the ceramics. The process produces attractive decorative things such as doorknobs, tiles, pots, vases, and plates, but be careful because they are fragile because they are fired at such a low temperature.
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Bandhani, Rajasthan- It is also one of India's most well-known arts. Bandhani is a tie-and-dye textile decorating or art that originated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and sections of Punjab in western India and is now popular throughout India and the world. Also popular is the Bandhani Saree. This art form is claimed to date back to the Indus Valley Civilization and can be found in Ajanta Cave 1. It is colourful due to the use of natural colouring.
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Chikankari, Uttar Pradesh- Lucknow's chikankari is the most well-known of all the state's crafts. It's a delicate embroidery technique that uses coloured and silk threads on a range of textiles such as muslin, silk, chiffon, and net. Intricate designs with abstract, floral or even geometric designs produces a variety of apparels ranging from sarees, kurtis, bedsheets, curtains, lehengas, and so much more. This ancient work of art has decently evolved with modern times and demand. The best part is, you can find a thing for yourself in every budget range.
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Villianur Terracotta, Puducherry- Villianur Terracotta Works are crafted in Puducherry by natives from Villianur using beautiful green clay. Under the geographical indication of India, the handicrafts product is classified as Villianur Terracotta Works.
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Lepcha Weaving, Sikkim- Sikkim's distinctive lepcha weave has become synonymous with handloom weaving. This type of weaving dates back to ancient times, when the Lepcha tribe was supposed to weave their clothing with yarn spun from stinging nettle (sisnu) plants. Lepcha weaves, also known as thara, are woven in vertical looms with a backstrap, resulting in a narrower fabric width. Apart from Lepchas' traditional clothes, traditional designs with various colours are utilised to manufacture bedspreads, curtains, bags, cushion covers, belts, table mats, and tray cloths.
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Ganjifa, Karnataka- This is one form of art that is very rare now and has rapidly lost in the race of time. The Indian playing cards are known as Ganjifa. This Indian craft is on the verge of extinction. It is made up of our long history. Ganjifa is a type of hand-painted card that is round or rectangular in shape. Mughal Ganjifa, Dashavatara Ganjifa, Mysore Ganjifa, and Ramayana Ganjifa are only a few examples of different varieties of Ganjifa.
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Brass Crafts, Rajasthan- Brass is well-known for its durability, which makes it an excellent material for handicrafts. Kansaris are artists who specialise in the fabrication of brass handicrafts. Lord Ganesha's figure in various poses, table tops, vases, ornament boxes, perforated lamps, and even wine glasses are all made out of this metal. The majority of brass artefacts are still in use in many Indian homes today. Rajasthan is the world's largest producer of brass handicrafts. They also include antique and one-of-a-kind doors and windows, cast iron jaalis on tables, chairs, sideboards, swings, and even frette dressers.
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Sikki Grass Craft, Bihar & Uttar Pradesh- Sikki is a unique type of grass that grows prolifically in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The art of manufacturing Sikki grass handicrafts is centuries old. The residents of Bihar's Sitamarhi district see sikki as auspicious, and it is used as a raw ingredient in a range of items. There isn't a celebration or auspicious occasion where it isn't used in some form. It is used to make toys, weaving dolls, baskets, boxes, paintings, and jewellery in Bihar. Pauti boxes made of Sikki are given to daughters on their wedding day by their parents. Sindoor, decorations, and jewellery are kept in these boxes.
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Bastar Iron and Wood Craft, Chhattisgarh- Bastar Iron and Wooden Crafts are produced in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state and are protected by India's Geographical Indication.
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Laq Bangles, Rajasthan- Lac bangles are made from the natural resin generated by a small insect that is collected from trees and prepared by traditional artists. Lac Shellacs are created for craftspeople and sold in wholesale retailers. Shellac is a developed type of lac that is obtained in the form of thin flakes from seed lac. Artisans melt it and create beautiful, colorful patterns sometimes ornate with stones and beads to make attractive bangles.
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Crafts made of shells, Goa, Odisha & Andaman and Nicobar islands- Tortoiseshell, conch shells, and seashells are among the three types of shells utilised by Indian artisans to create shell craftsmanship, which includes forks, bangles, bowls, drapes, chandeliers, and other items. The centres of this craftsmanship are located near the sea, such as Goa, the Gulf of Mannar, Odisha, and many other places.
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Bead Craft, Gujarat- Bead craft is the art of using beads to create ornamental items. Saurashtra and Khambhat, two Gujarati areas, were the birthplaces of this art form. The primary raw material in this piece is seed beads. Bead weaving is a technique for weaving seed beads onto a simple fabric, in jewellery, or to create a three-dimensional item such as a box, ball, or clasp.
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Zardozi Embroidery, Uttar Pradesh- There is no match to intricate art of Zardozi when it comes to embellishments of apparels and others. Zardozi has been extensively used to ornate clothes of several types since ages with precious stones, wires or silver, gold and other metals with glass, mirror, etc. Lucknow is the most popular place for this art of work and people with taste in intricate artwork on clothes flock in from worldwide to buy their share of agelong artwork.
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Longpi Coiled Pottery, Manipur- Manipur's Longpi Coiled Pottery is a handcrafted item with a distinct style and craftsmanship. Longpi Ham is traditionally used as a cooking tool, but it is now also used as a decorative item.
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Coir Products, Kerala- Kerala is known for its coconuts. The coconut is an essential element of every Keraliite's existence. A Malayali's coconut follows him from birth to death. In Kerala, every part of the coconut is utilised to its utmost potential. Coir is one of the coconut tree's products that is widely utilised in Kerala as a raw material for handicrafts. The fibres taken from the husk of the coconut are used to make coir goods. Coir is a desirable material because of its biodegradability and extended lifespan. In Kerala, coir goods such as door mats, bags, baskets, and mats are very popular.
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Pipli Applique Work, Odisha- Puri is famed for its colourful fabrics and gorgeous applique handicrafts, and Pipli Applique Work is a well-known craft.
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Usta Art, Rajasthan- Usta art is a hybrid of Naqqashi and Manoti art created by Bikaner's Usta artists. The word "USTA" comes from the Persian word "USTAD," which means "master." The varied patterns employed in Usta art are influenced by Mughal designs, as the art started in Iran. The artistry of these painters may be seen in various rooms of the Junagarh fort in Bikaner. The most preferred bases for displaying this art are glass, wood, marble, and camel leather. In some ways, it resembles gold embossing.
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Chanderi Sarees, Madhya Pradesh- The Chanderi fabric is a hand woven blend of silk and cotton that is arguably Madhya Pradesh's most famous craft. Chanderi sarees are known for their gentle pastel colours. Pure silk, Chanderi cotton, and silk cotton are the three types of cloth used to make Chanderi sarees. Traditional currency, floral art, peacock, and geometric designs are among the motifs. The gold and silver brocade or zari, as well as the exquisite stitching, make these sarees among the best in India.
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Terracotta & Pottery, Assam- In Assam's Dhubri area, terracotta and pottery are well-known traditional crafts. Asharikandi hamlet is home to one of India's major terracotta and pottery clusters.
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Leathercraft, Madhya Pradesh- Noble philosophers and mystics in India have proven the age-old tradition of leather expertise. Leather was once utilised not only for clothing and footwear, but also for headgear, bags, saddles, and shields. Leather items from India are well-known throughout the world. Leatherwork is very popular in Madhya Pradesh. Shoes, purses, and clothes are among the leather goods manufactured.
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Choktse tables, Sikkim- Sikkim is home to a diverse range of handicrafts. As a melting pot of various civilizations, the state has become rich in handcrafted works of art. Carpets, wood carvings, Thangka paintings, Choktse tables, and other indigenous Sikkim handicrafts are among the best. Choktse tables are traditional foldable tables constructed from the wood of the Kath railway. They come in a variety of patterns.
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Lavo Mandri, Goa- This is a Goan-originated art form. Mandri weaving is a traditional art form (mat in Konkani). Lavo, a type of wild grass grown in the marshy land of fields, is used to manufacture these mats, despite the fact that it is not a booming art.
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Jute Craft, West Bengal- Jute artisans have established a global presence in the field of jute handicrafts. Bags, office stationery, bangles and other jewellery, footwear, wall-hangings, and many other jute crafts are available. India is a global centre for jute handicrafts, with people from all over the world flocking to jute handicrafts fairs to purchase these exquisite works of art. West Bengal, India's top jute producer, is pioneering the jute handicrafts sector.
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Toda Embroidery, Tamil Nadu- Toda embroidery, commonly known as "Pukhoor," is a kind of art created by the Toda people of Tamilnadu's Nilgiris. The traditional shawl of Pithukuli is embroidered by women and worn by both men and women. At a six-inch gap, the shawl contains alternate red and black stripes. The embroidery is done on red and black coloured stripes. Geometrical designs, buffalo horns, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Flowers, Snakes, and Rabbits are among the motifs.
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Wool Weaving, Himachal Pradesh- Due to the general cold temperatures in Himachal, it's no surprise that practically every home has a pit-loom, which is a sort of loom that fits into a pit. Every location has its own distinct flair. For example, the Kullu region is known for its shawls with bold designs and brilliant colours, whilst the weaves in the Chamba district take on a chequered pattern.
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Sohrai Painting, Jharkhand- Jharkhand's Hazaribagh is home to this variety. Sohrai painting is a type of painting that ladies do at home. Sparrows, peacocks, deer, fish, and snakes populate the universe of Sohrai painting, which is highly influenced by forest life. Yellow, red, and black are popular colours, and like other tribal arts, this one gets its colour from natural sources. In this painting technique, the artist has a broad understanding of plant life and animal behaviour.
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Chamba Rumal, Himachal Pradesh- The Chamba Rumal, also known as the Chamba handkerchief, is an embroidered handkerchief that was previously worn by the monarchs of the Chamba kingdom. It is a popular wedding gift in Himachal Pradesh and boasts intricate patterns. Muslin, khaddar, malmal brush, and silk threads without knots are among the materials utilised. Local folklore, stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, floral motifs, and geometric patterns have all been used as inspiration for motif designs in the past.
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Manjusha Paintings, Bihar- Manjusha is thought to be India's sole art style that is shown in series, each symbolising an unique tale. Anga Pradesh is where this art form began (modern day Bihar). They only created things for the Bishahari festival, which was held in the district of Bhagalpur and was dedicated to the snake god. During the British administration in India, this art flourished. However, by the middle of the twentieth century, it had begun to go away. Thankfully, the Bihar government is working to resuscitate this technique and trademark it as Bhagalpur folk art.
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Jadupatua Painting, Jharkhand- Many tribes inhabit the lush state of Jharkhand, which make a variety of unique handicrafts. Jharkhand's crafts, like those of other states, are well-known and in high demand on both the national and international markets. The Santhal tribe of Jharkhand uses Jadupatua painting as a form of expression. The Jadupatuas are painted on scrolls and show themes from Lord Krishna's life, the Santhal tradition's account of creation, their dance and music, and occasionally death images and life after death. They are painted on both fabric and paper with natural colours such as soot, vermilion, and mud from the riverbank, with goat hair or porcupine quills serving as brush source materials. The scroll can be rolled and transported by wrapping the two ends of the cloth around bamboo poles.
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Patola Sarees, Gujarat- The most costly saris in the world are Patola sarees with half ikat work. Each traditional Patola sari can last up to 300 years without losing its colour. The saris take four to six months to manufacture, with the silk threads taking more than 70 days to colour and the weaving taking roughly 25 days. The most expensive sari is valued at Rs 7 lakh. At least 12 individuals worked on it for almost two years, utilising materials that would normally be used to construct 27 Patola sarees. Only four families in Gujarat practise this incredibly difficult and time-consuming dying process. Some of the families are attempting to preserve the custom, but are sceptical of its long-term viability.
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Miniature Art, Rajasthan- The Miniature Art of Bikaner is familiar to anybody who has seen the magnificent walls of Rajput palaces. The traditional art form began on palm leaves, progressed to parchments, and eventually became the pride of many palatial walls. The Bikaner School of Arts is one of the most prominent of the numerous Miniature Art Schools that came up, and one that is still being kept alive thanks to artists like Mahaveer Swami Ji.