Art & Handicrafts in 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.

1. Madhubani paintings, Bihar- Madhubani paintings feature nature, Hindu religious symbols, and natural phenomena such as the sun and moon, and the subjects naturally centre around Hindu deities. Painting instruments include twigs, brushes, nib pens, matchsticks, and even fingers. Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, is a well-known traditional Bihar folk art form. Village women used to do it on freshly plastered mud walls of cottages, but now they do it on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas. Plants are used to create the colours, as they are in many other traditional Indian crafts.
2. Banarasi Silk, Varanasi- Varanasi is a religious pilgrimage destination as well as a cultural centre known for music, the arts, culinary delicacies, and textiles. Banarasi silk and saris made from this opulent fabric are especially well-known in the city. Varanasi, also known as Benares, has been a prominent weaving centre since the beginning of time. Emperor Akbar (1542-1605) was a major enthusiast of zari art, which is embroidery done with pure gold or silver threads. During his reign, he popularised it. The pure silk sarees with beautiful zari work are the most well-known of the four types of Banarasi silk saris. It takes time and effort to make real Banarasi silk saris, and the gold and silver threads are expensive.
3. Warli Paintings, Maharashtra- It is undeniably one of India's most famous works of art. It is a tribal art form that originated in the state of Maharashtra. It is Mother Nature who does it. The painting features Mother Nature, animals, and the natural world. Warli artwork is frequently used to decorate the homes of the Warli tribes. Warli art is increasingly being used to inspire fashion, and it can be found in dress fabrics and other home decor items.
4. Puppetry, Rajasthan- Rajasthan's string puppet theatre, also known as kathputli, is one of India's most well-known types of puppetry and woodwork. Because it is a string marionette, the puppets are controlled by a single string that runs from the puppet's head. Because the puppets are entirely made of wood, they are known as kathputli. Cotton material and metal wires, on the other hand, make up the structure. Since ancient times, numerous Rajasthani communities have performed this show, making it an indelible part of Rajasthani culture and tradition. The presentations have enhanced public awareness of social issues and given social and moral education in the past.
5. Thangka Painting, Arunachal Pradesh- A Thangka artwork is composed up of a painted or embroidered picture panel on which a cloth is attached, followed by a cover, usually made of silk. A Thangka is a Buddhist painting that shows a Buddhist deity, a Buddhist scene, or a Mandala and is made of cotton and silk appliqué. It is a vital way of religious expression as well as a means of decorating homes. Among the topics discussed are Buddha, bodhisattvas, goddesses, humans, stupas, animals, plants, and flowers. The ideal bodily shape of enlightened humans must be correctly oriented in relation to the central axis, and each body part must be perfectly proportioned. The correctness of the Thangka, and consequently its spiritual importance, is harmed by tiny inaccuracies. The composition of this art form is quite complex.
6. Blue Pottery, Rajasthan- Blue pottery in Jaipur has its origins in Persia, although it is now widely recognised as a distinctive Jaipur specialty. Blue pottery is made from quartz, powdered glass, stone powder, borax, multani mitti, gum, and water. On the other hand, the term comes from the cobalt blue dye that was used to colour the pottery. The procedure produces appealing decorative items such as doorknobs, tiles, pots, vases, and plates, but they are delicate due to the low temperature at which they are burned.
7. Chikankari, Uttar Pradesh- Chikankari, the state's most well-known craft, is made in Lucknow. It's a delicate embroidery method that employs coloured and silk threads on muslin, silk, chiffon, and net fabrics. Sarees, kurtis, bedsheets, curtains, lehengas, and many other garments are made with intricate motifs with abstract, floral, or even geometric themes. This antique work of art has progressed with the passage of time and demand. The nicest aspect is that there is something for everyone in every budget level.
8. Kalamkari Painting, Andhra Pradesh- Kalamkari is made up of two words: Kalam (pen) and Kari (effort). Tamarind and natural dyes are used to create this traditional art on cotton or silk cloth. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton cloth with a 3000-year history that originated in Andhra Pradesh. This work of art took a total of 23 hours to create, including dyeing, bleaching, hand painting, block printing, starching, cleaning, and other tasks. Kalamkari paintings feature mythological animals, peacocks, flowers, elephants, horses, and fish, among other subjects. Natural-based colours such as indigo, mustard, rust, black, and green are commonly used in kalamkari art.
9. Bidriware Handicrafts, Karnataka- The Indian Geographical Indications Ordinance protects Bidriware handicrafts, which are created in Bidar town. Metal handmade is a popular export handicraft from India and a well-known artistic metallic work all over the world.
10. Pattachitra Paintings, Odisha- The origins of Pattachitra may be traced back to the holy city of Puri. Artists used to use scrolls to create fabric paintings, but now they employ paper, glass bottles, coconut shells, palm leaves, and other materials. Pattachitra is a traditional Indian art form that originated in the state of Odisha in India. Folk stories and Hinduism-related imagery are mostly shown in these paintings. This 1,000-year-old art form is kept alive by self-motivated artists, the best of whom can be seen in Raghurajpur near Puri in Odisha. Every family in this village has at least one Pattachitra painter, and several of them have won national awards for their art. Only natural mineral and vegetable colours are employed, such as black generated from burned coconut shells and white derived from conch shells.
11. Tie & Dye, Gujarat- This wonderful technique is known by a variety of names in India, depending on how the fabric is tied. We found skilled tie dye artisans in Bhuj, Gujarat, near the Pakistani border, who have been doing it for years. The practise of connecting parts of a fabric together and dyeing it in various ways is known as tie-dye in English. Only once the ties have been removed at the end of the procedure can the final print be seen.
12. Bandhani, Rajasthan- It is also one of the most well-known arts in India. Bandhani is a tie-dye textile decorating or art that originated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Punjab in western India, and is now popular all over the world. The Bandhani Saree is also popular. This art type, which can be seen in Ajanta Cave 1, is said to date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The use of natural colouring gives it a vibrant appearance.
13. Coir Products, Kerala- Coconuts are famous in Kerala. Every Keraliite's existence would be incomplete without the coconut. From birth to death, a Malayali's coconut follows him. Every portion of the coconut is used to its full potential in Kerala. Coir is a coconut tree product that is commonly used as a raw material for handicrafts in Kerala. Coir items are made from the fibres extracted from the coconut husk. Because of its biodegradability and long lifespan, coir is a popular material. Coir products such as door mats, purses, baskets, and mats are highly popular in Kerala.
14. Terracotta & Pottery, Assam- Terracotta and pottery are well-known traditional crafts in Assam's Dhubri district. The hamlet of Asharikandi is home to one of India's most important terracotta and pottery clusters.
15. Patola Sarees, Gujarat- Patola sarees with half ikat work are the most expensive saris in the world. Each Patola sari can last for up to 300 years before losing its colour. The silk threads take more than 70 days to colour and the weaving takes around 25 days, thus the saris take four to six months to make. The most valuable saree is worth Rs 7 lakh. For nearly two years, at least 12 people laboured on it, using materials that would ordinarily be used to make 27 Patola sarees. In Gujarat, just four families practise this extremely difficult and time-consuming killing method. Some of the families are trying to keep the tradition alive, but they are sceptical about its long-term survival.
16. Khurja Pottery, Uttar Pradesh- The Assessments Suggest covers Khurja Pottery, which is made in the Bulandshahr district's Khurja. These are traditional Indian pottery works that are sold both domestically and internationally.
17. Pashmina, Kashmir- Pashmina is a fine type of wool that is weaved for the first time in Kashmir. Pashmina shawls are made from cashmere wool and delivered to Kashmir Valley in North India, where they are completely handcrafted. Every step of the shawl-making process, including combing, spinning, weaving, and finishing, is carried out entirely by trained craftsmen and women. The excellent fabric industry is centred on Srinagar, an old and lovely city. A single Pashmina shawl takes roughly 180 hours to create. These gorgeous shawls have delicate embroidery and come in a variety of lovely colours. They are extremely soft and fragile, in addition to being gorgeous.
18. Channapatna Toys, Karnataka- Channapatna Toys and Dolls are traditional wooden crafts manufactured in Channapatna, a town in the Bangalore area. These wooden toys and dolls are protected by Karnataka's geographical indicator.
19. Red & Black ottery, Tamil Nadu- The centre, which is located on the grounds of Auroville, an experimental city that strives to create a universal society, tries to combine Auroville's global culture with Tamil Nadu's traditional rural culture. The red and black pottery of Tamil Nadu is well-known, and a village visit is the best opportunity to learn about this heritage firsthand. You can not only buy pottery directly from the potters, but also meet and observe them at work. Mohanam, a cultural centre whose name means "Harmony" in Tamil, organises these hamlet excursions.
20. Ajrakh Print, Gujarat- The name 'Ajrakh,' which meaning 'Blue,' comes from Persia. Ajrakh printing is done by pounding wooden blocks into the fabric with a lot of force. After that, the fabric is dyed in a base colour and allowed to dry. The process is repeated until beautiful colours and patterns emerge. The dying process is broken down into 14 to 16 stages, with the printing process lasting two to three weeks! Ajrakh print is a resist-dyed cloth with natural dyes like indigo that is block-printed. The Ajrakh Print, made by the Khatri Community of Gujarat, is distinguished by its red and blue colours, floral designs, and geometric patterns.
21. Dokra, Chhattisgarh- Dokra, made from nonferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting method, is another one of the country's unique crafts. Dokra artisans are in high demand not only in the native market, but also internationally. Dokra creatures such as horses, elephants, and owls, as well as sculptures depicting various people and religious figures, are well-known crafts.
22. Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Karnataka- Mysore The Indian government has designated rosewood inlay works made in the Mysore region as a Geographical Indication.
23. Silver Filigree, Telangana- Silver filigree from Karimnagar is a centuries-old art form crafted by highly skilled and experienced artists. Another well-known kind of silver Filigree art from Cuttack in Tarakasi is silver filigree, which uses gold and silver.
24. Chanderi Sarees, Madhya Pradesh- The Chanderi fabric is a hand-woven silk and cotton blend that is perhaps Madhya Pradesh's most well-known specialty. The delicate pastel colours of Chanderi sarees are well-known. Chanderi sarees are made from three different types of fabric: pure silk, Chanderi cotton, and silk cotton. Among the motifs are traditional currency, floral art, peacocks, and geometric designs. These sarees are among the greatest in India because of the gold and silver brocade or zari, as well as the excellent stitching.
25. Lepcha Weaving, Sikkim- The lepcha weave of Sikkim has become synonymous with handloom weaving. The Lepcha tribe was reported to weave their clothing with yarn spun from stinging nettle (sisnu) plants in ancient times, and this form of weaving dates back to that time. Thara weaves, also known as lepcha weaves, are woven on vertical looms with a backstrap for a narrower fabric width. Traditional designs with diverse colours are used to make bedspreads, curtains, bags, cushion covers, belts, table mats, and tray cloths, in addition to Lepchas' traditional clothing.
26. Khurja Pottery, Uttar Pradesh- The Geographical Indication protects Khurja Pottery, which is made in the Bulandshahr district's Khurja. These are traditional Indian pottery works that are sold both domestically and internationally.
27. Bagh Printing, Madhya Pradesh- Bagh printing stands out as a traditional woodblock technique that uses natural colours and organic shapes on treated cotton. Traditional reds, browns, and blacks are created using local minerals and vegetables. The intricate patterns can be found on decorative textiles and practical items like as shirts, skirts, bags, and scarves. For an outstanding introduction of tribal arts and culture, go to Bhopal's Tribal Museum. Alternatively, you can go to one of Mrignayanee's shops to look at a variety of traditional crafts. This state-owned bazaar in Bhopal is dedicated to the preservation of traditional and non-traditional crafts and artisans.
28. Marble Crafts of Stone, Agra- Uttar Pradesh is famous for its stone carvings and handicrafts in India. This royal preoccupation is reflected in the ornately carved palaces and forts. This amazing work of art on stone combines carving, engraving, sculptures, and undercuts. Many beautiful patterns are carved into the rich stone to form each design. The most prevalent materials used by the craftspeople are marble and soapstone. These exquisite handicrafts are in high demand in India and many other countries. The inner works on white marble captivate the consumers. Both personal and business uses are possible with marble handicrafts.
29. Kashmiri Rugs, Kashmir- Kashmir rugs, often known as Kashmir carpets, are a popular handicraft in India. It is a hand-knitted and one-of-a-kind Kashmiri rug that surely takes a great deal of time and effort, earning it worldwide recognition. It features a floral motif as well as other features. Kashmiri rug craftsmen have passed down their carpet weaving skills from generation to generation. This wonderful rug will certainly be added to people's collections.
30. Sarkanda Craft, Haryana- Haryana, a wealthy state, is home to the Sarkanda craft. The quantity of Sarkanda plants in Haryana is well-known. The golden white plant is gathered and turned into a range of items when it dries out in the winter. Murrah refers to the plant's thicker portions, which are used to make tools. Changeri is made from sarkanda grass, which is used to manufacture a range of handcrafted products. It's a shallow basket made with a coiling technique and frequently with a lead. In addition to Changeri, women also create boiya, a roti/bread basket. Hand fans and the indhi, which serves as a support foundation for carrying water pots on the head, are also made from sarkanda grass.
31. Thanjavur Art Plate, Tamil Nadu- The Thanjavur Art Plate is a gift-giving circular plate made specifically in Thanjavur. The object is made of silver, bronze, and copper.
32. Zardozi Embroidery, Uttar Pradesh- When it comes to embellishing clothing and other items, the complex art of Zardozi is unrivalled. Zardozi has been widely used to embellish various forms of clothing with valuable stones, wires, silver, gold, and other metals, as well as glass, mirror, and other materials, since the Middle Ages. People with a taste for elaborate clothing artwork travel in from all over the world to acquire their share of age-old artwork in Lucknow, which is the most popular place for this type of work.
33. Lac Bangles, Rajasthan- Lac bangles are formed from a natural resin produced by a little insect that is collected from trees and prepared by skilled artisans. Lac Shellacs are made specifically for artists and marketed in wholesale stores. Shellac is a type of lac that has been generated from seed lac and is obtained in the form of thin flakes. It is melted by artisans into stunning, bright designs. Bangles are sometimes embellished with stones and beads to make them more appealing.
34. Jute Craft, West Bangles- In the realm of jute handicrafts, jute artisans have created a global presence. Jute crafts include bags, office stationery, bangles and other jewellery, footwear, wall-hangings, and a variety of other items. Jute handicrafts are a global phenomenon, with people travelling from all over the world to attend jute handicrafts fairs to purchase these magnificent works of art. West Bengal, India's largest jute producer, is leading the way in the jute handicrafts industry.
35. Thanjavur Dolls, Tamil Nadu- The Indian government has classified Thanjavur Dolls as a Geographical Indication. They are a form of traditional Indian bobble head dancing doll. Thanjavur Doll and Thanjavur Painting are two classic Indian dolls and paintings.
36. Brass and Copper Utensils making, Punjab- The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India, practise a traditional brass and copper utensil-making trade that was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. The Jandiala Guru Thatheras' skill is a traditional Punjabi technique for creating brass and copper utensils. The metals used, copper, brass, and certain alloys, are considered to be beneficial to one's health. Small bowls, rimmed plates, larger pots for water and milk, and other artefacts are produced using this procedure, which begins with cooled metal cakes that are flattened into thin plates and then hammered into curved shapes.
37. Handmade Masks of Majuli, Assam- Majuli, the largest river system island in India, is also known for traditional art and handicrafts like as mask making. The practise of Neo-Vaishnavite culture, which originated with Sri Sankaradeva and spread over Assam more than 600 years ago, is intricately associated with Majuli mask production in Assam. These masks were originally worn during Bhaona, a traditional song and dance performance. The masks are currently used both for decoration and for entertainment. The masks are composed of local bamboo, fabric, and clay. This is a time-consuming technique. Colors are then added to the masks to make them more appealing. These masks are frequently used to portray characters from Hindu mythology such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
38. Azulejos, Goa- Azulejos are hand-painted tiles that were first introduced to Goa by the Portuguese. Blue and yellow were the most popular colour combinations for the tiles, which represented mostly flower designs and religious motifs, however new themes and colours are being introduced all the time. Family photos, name plates, images from everyday life, landscapes, and sceneries are all featured on these lovely hand painted tiles. Many of Goa's mediaeval churches currently have these tiles in abundance.
39. Lippan Kaam, Gujarat- Lippan kaam is a mud and mirrors creation. It's also known as chittar kaam, and it's a Kutch mural technique. We still don't know much about lippan kaam's origins, but it's difficult to trace its roots because different communities in Kutch have their own distinct style of this artwork. Because it is abundant in fibres, camel and wild ass faeces are used as a binding agent. The mud is sieved to remove fine particles that are then used to manufacture clay. Equal parts clay and mud are mixed together and kneaded into a dough to form the lippan kaam. It is lovely when matched with mirrors and contains a variety of embroidered motifs.
40. Ganjifa, Karnataka- This is a type of art that is now extremely rare and has been swiftly lost with the passage of time. Ganjifa is the name given to Indian playing cards. This Indian craft is in danger of becoming extinct. It's made up of the events of our vast history. Ganjifa is a type of hand-painted card that comes in either a round or rectangular shape. Different variations of Ganjifa include Mughal Ganjifa, Dashavatara Ganjifa, Mysore Ganjifa, and Ramayana Ganjifa, to name a few.
41. Usta Art, Rajasthan- Bikaner's Usta painters created a mix of Naqqashi and Manoti art known as Usta art. "USTA" is derived from the Persian "USTAD," which meaning "master." Because Usta art originated in Iran, the various patterns used in it are influenced by Mughal motifs. The talent of these painters may be observed in several chambers of Bikaner's Junagarh fort. Glass, wood, marble, and camel leather are the most popular materials for showcasing this art. It resembles gold embossing in certain aspects.
42. Choktse Tables, Sikkim- Handicrafts from all around the world can be found in Sikkim. The state has become rich in handcrafted works of art as a melting pot of numerous cultures. Among the best are carpets, wood carvings, Thangka paintings, Choktse tables, and other traditional Sikkim handicrafts. Choktse tables are traditional foldable tables made from wood salvaged from the Kath railway. They are available in a variety of designs.
43. Manjusha Paintings, Bihar- Manjusha is said to be India's only art style that is displayed in a sequence, each representing a different story. This art form originated in the state of Anga Pradesh (modern day Bihar). They only made things for the Bishahari festival, which was dedicated to the snake god and held in the Bhagalpur district. This art thrived during the British reign in India. However, by the mid-twentieth century, it had started to go away. The Bihar government, thankfully, is striving to revive this method and brand it as Bhagalpur traditional art.
44. Toda Embroidery, Tamil Nadu- Toda embroidery, also known as "Pukhoor," is a type of needlework made by the Toda people of Tamilnadu's Nilgiris. Women embroider the traditional Pithukuli shawl, which is worn by both men and women. The shawl has red and black stripes that alternate every six inches. The embroidery is done on stripes that are red and black in colour. Among the motifs are geometrical designs, buffalo horns, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Flowers, Snakes, and Rabbits.
45. Jadupatua Paintings, Jharkhand- The lush state of Jharkhand is home to many tribes who produce a range of distinctive handicrafts. On both the national and international markets, Jharkhand's crafts, like those of other states, are well-known and in high demand. Jadupatua painting is a medium of expression for the Santhal people of Jharkhand. The Jadupatuas are scroll paintings depicting themes from Lord Krishna's life, the Santhal tradition's narrative of creation, their dance and music, and, on rare occasions, death pictures and life after death. They are painted with natural colours like as soot, vermilion, and mud from the riverbed on both fabric and paper, using goat hair or porcupine quills as brush source materials. By winding the two ends of the cloth around the scroll, it can be rolled and transported.
46. Chowk Poorna, Punjab- Plastering the home walls with mud and then creating various shapes, figures, patterns, and motifs on the wet mud before it dries is an old Punjabi ritual. It is usually performed by Punjabi rural women during festivals such as Dushera, Karva Chauth, Holi, Diwali, and others.
47. Sankheda Furniture, Gujarat- Sankheda Furniture is a form of painted wood furniture made in Sankheda, Gujarat. The product is protected by the Geographical Indications Act of India.
48. Madhav Mala Wood Crafts, Andhra Pradesh- Wood carving is an ancient art form that has stood the test of time. In Madhavmala, a small Indian hamlet, this craft takes on a mythical quality. The village is located near Tirupati, a well-known South Indian temple town. Due to the existence of temples, the art of wood carving developed in the area. Artists carved beautiful doors, pillars, cornices, idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, wood bas reliefs, and much more. In order to assist preserve this old industry and establish a sustainable model for the area, the government has developed Project Sanskriti in collaboration with an NGO, which promotes sustainable tourism in the hamlet.
49. Brass Crafts, Rajasthan- Brass is well-known for its resilience, making it a great choice for handicrafts. Kansaris are a type of artist who specialises in creating brass handicrafts. This metal is used to make Lord Ganesha's figure in various attitudes, table tops, vases, ornament boxes, perforated lamps, and even wine glasses. Many brass items are still in use today in many Indian homes. Rajasthan produces the most brass handicrafts in the world. Antique and one-of-a-kind doors and windows, cast iron jaalis on tables, chairs, sideboards, swings, and even frette dressers are among the items on display.
50. Shell Craft, Goa/Odisha/Andaman & Nicobar- Indian artists use tortoiseshell, conch shells, and seashells to make shell handicrafts, which includes forks, bangles, bowls, drapes, chandeliers, and other products. Near the sea, such as Goa, the Gulf of Mannar, Odisha, and many other areas, are the epicentres of this craftsmanship.
51. Bead Craft, Gujarat- Bead craft is the skill of making beautiful things out of beads. This art form originated in the Gujarati states of Saurashtra and Khambhat. Seed beads are the main raw element in this creation. Bead weaving is a technique for weaving seed beads onto a plain fabric, in jewellery, or to make a three-dimensional object like a box, ball, or clasp.