As we all know, the handicraft traditions of India are ancient. And the Indus Valley Civilization is its source of origin. India’s rich gem of traditional handicrafts consists of unique pottery, metalworks, paintings, stonework, and terracotta objects. In addition, it also includes relics created from bamboo, cane, wood, jute, coconut, etc.
These handmade items arise from various parts of the nation. And it offers a sense of the tradition and culture of the specific region. Furthermore, it also provides a unique view of the diverse cultural roots of this nation as a whole. Let’s find in this blog the traditional crafts of India you need to experience.
13 Traditional crafts of India you need to experience:
1. Madhubani Painting
Mithila art is one of the oldest and most famous Indian art forms, also known as Bihar folk art. In India, Madhubani paintings are one of the most famous classic handicrafts. Paintings are often geometric marks and bright colours and tend to be made with fingers, twigs or matchsticks (now pen nibs).
The colours are derived from natural sources, such as plants and other natural extracts. Hence it is one of the traditional crafts of India you need to experience.
2. Blue Pottery
GI-designated blue pottery is unique to Jaipur and is one of the unique crafts in the nation. The reason behind calling this Blue Pottery blue is the most dominant colour used.
The roots of this art are traced from Persia and toured to Delhi, and A court in Jaipur patronised it. There are only a few plants operating today since the imperial trade quit. Maharaja Ram Singh II greatly donated to this art’s rise. Afterwards, the last queen of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi, provided huge help to the guard of Jaipur Blue Pottery.
The crafts are made from glass, fuller’s earth, banyan tree gum, water, soda bicarbonate and quartz stone powder rather than clay. Decorative parts of Persian pottery mixed with Chinese glazing plans in blue pottery. Kilns are used to make these items at temperatures between 800-850 degrees Celsius. White is derived from cobalt oxide, green copper oxide, and blue from cobalt oxide.
Today’s trends use a wide variety of non-traditional colours. Traditionally, floral and fauna motifs are common, but geometric plans have become more famous over the last few years.
Many home and kitchen accessories are available at Jaipur Blue Pottery. Popular items include vases, pottery, ashtrays, coasters, trinket boxes, door knobs, keychains, soap dishes, and essence stick stands. Therefore, these traditional crafts of India you need to experience are a must for your life.
3. Pashmina Shawls
As we all know, Pashminais are a perfect kind of wool. And Kashmir is the area where its textiles are first woven. Created from cashmere wool, these are shifted to north India in the Kashmir valley. Here workers use their hands to process these unique shawls. Faithful craftsmen and women perform every step of the process, from combing to spinning to knitting to finishing the shawls.
The main area of this fine fabric production is the beautiful old city of Srinagar. In order to make a single and pure Pashmina shawl, it takes about 180 hours. In addition to the beautiful colours, these fine shawls have exquisite embroidery and detailed thread work. Their softness makes them popular, along with their beauty and ability to keep you warm.
4. Nirmal Toys
Created in the Telangana state of India, this is a famous classic wooden art of India. Nirmal toys are also deep and colourful in looks. In addition, it is associated with Nirmal paintings.
It is a belief that it formed during the power of the Kakatiya rulers. Craftworks painted with Duco paints have a vibrant build. Also, Nirmal toys were becoming increasingly famous for boosting tourism.
5. Bamboo Handicrafts
It is best to learn that handicrafts made from bamboo are eco-friendly crafts made in India. The list of items made from bamboo are dolls, baskets, mats, and wall hangings. In addition, it also includes jewellery boxes, toys, bottles and many more. West Bengal, Assam and Tripura are the main hubs of Bamboo handicrafts.
Each region of India has its unique handicraft that adds to the state’s and the nation’s allure. Generation after generation, craft has evolved. Each art continues to be updated and innovated while keeping the Indian roots and culture at the same time.
6. Cane And Bamboo Weaving
Several types of bamboo and cane products are created by the Mizo tribes that serve as both decoration and valuable items. The Mizo men are skilled at cane and bamboo work. As fine as cotton yarn, the traditional Mizo hat appears to be bamboo. Cane and bamboo also make baskets, utensils and flower vases.
Many domestic baskets are made of plaited bamboo, girded with stout rods that are very hard and durable. Smoking adds some colour and patterns to the rod by colouring it shiny mahogany. Therefore, you must look at these traditional crafts of India that you need to experience in your life.
7. Marble Stone Craft
India has always loved to play with stones from ages. Uttar Pradesh in India is a rich point of handicrafts and stone carving. We can easily see the traces of this royal desire in the intricately carved palaces and forts. This unique artwork on the stone is an elegant mixture of engraving, carving, sculptures and undercuts. To create each design, rich stones are cut and carved to create stunning patterns.
The artisans mainly use soapstone and marble. These unique handicrafts are in great need in India and many other nations. White marble charms buyers because of its innate works. As well as creating bangles, earrings, and boxes, marble handicrafts are also helpful for personal use.
8. Saris and Silk
4.5 meters or 8 meters long and draped over their shoulders. The east of India is also famous for its silk sarees. It is named the Baluchari saris of West Bengal and Muga and Assam silk of Assam. Their sarees come in different colours and look superb and rich. The Banarasi saree is one of the finest sarees in India, with rich embroidery and brocades of gold and silver. It is a home tradition in rural South India to knit saris. The Kanchipuram sari is one of the most famous handicrafts of Tamil Nadu.
Introducing new colours and fewer motifs has given the classic Kanchipuram sari a modern charm. A rich golden border and heavy pallus are hallmarks of cotton saris made in Gadwal and Kothakota in Andhra Pradesh. It is common to find cotton saris made in dark earthy colours in Karnataka.
In Karnataka, irkal is a unique sari with vibrant colours such as pomegranate red, peacock blue, and parrot green. The Paithani Sarees of Maharashtra are famous. These are the traditional crafts of India you need to experience.
9. Bandhani
India also has a long history of this art form. Tie-and-dye is a way of textile decoration or art that arose in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Punjab in the Western part of the nation.
There is great interest in it all over India and worldwide. There is also a famous Bandhani Saree. According to legend, this art form dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is found in cave 1 of Ajanta. It uses natural dyes, which give it a vibrant colour.
10. Warli Paintings, Maharashtra
This tribal craft from Maharashtra is one of the great examples of dwellers’ paintings in India. A Warli painting is traditionally painted inside the walls of a village hut. And they use circles, triangles, and squares as primary geometric forms.
Geometric shapes define the everyday social life of villagers, not mythic symbols or images of gods. Rice powder is ground into white powder and mixed with water by artists to paint the mud walls white. Hence, it is the traditional crafts of India you need to experience.
11. Bidriware
This is a great metal handicraft from Bidar. And since the 14th century CE, when the Bahamani Sultans ruled the land, it has been practised. Also called Bidri art, this classic Indian handicraft is unique due to its unique inlay painting.
Blackened zinc and copper alloys make Bidriware, and thin silver sheets are clad in the alloy. Traditional crafts from Karnataka are among the most popular in the nation.
12. The Art of Pattachitra
This art of cloth-based handicrafts creates in Odisha and involves the painting of scrolls on cloth. These paintings mostly define traditional Hindu gods and their stories based on ancient Hindu myths and legends. These paintings are traditional in style and use natural colours.
In this form of art, there has been a long rule dating back thousands of years. Along with themes from Mahabharata and Ramayana, you can also find unique paintings of goddesses and gods. A mixture of classical and folk elements is obvious in this artwork.
13. Carpet Weaving
Among the crafts that are important in North India is carpet weaving. A primary carpet weaving industry exists in Uttar Pradesh, and carpets like the Taj Mahal are lovely.
Bidohi is home to more than 500 carpet manufacturing factories, thus making it the most critical hand-knotted carpet weaving hub in the region. Srinagar is also well-known for weaving silk carpets in Jammu and Kashmir.
Summary,
These are the traditional crafts of India you need to experience in life. These are unique handicrafts that you will not find anywhere except in India. If you plan a trip to India, you must see and buy these unique handicrafts. These add a unique look to your house when you use them.
Travelling to India is described in the following articles:
- What is the best place to travel in India in 2023?
- 8 Best Cultural Experiences in India
- 10 Most Beautiful ISKCON Temples In India
- Top 10 Reasons Your Next Trip Should Be to India
- Top 14 Destinations in India to Take a Road Trip
- Ultimate Guide for Planning Your First Trip to India
- Top 5 Destinations to Experience Foreign Culture in India
- 25 Best Royal Palaces to Visit in India
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