Magnificent Handicrafts of India Reflecting the Craftsmanship of Regional Artists

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Handicrafts-of-India
Image – Wikimedia

Handicrafts of India are diverse and are rich in history, culture, and religion. They are hand-made crafts without the help of modern types of equipment or machinery. Every state and region has its specific handicrafts that highlight the culture and heritage of the place it hails from. These fascinating and enthralling Handicrafts of India are quite distinct and unique from one another. Even today, many from around the country earn their livelihood through the Handicrafts that they make. Let us take a look at some of the famous handicrafts:

1. Pashmina Shawls from Jammu and Kashmir

Handicrafts-of-India-Pashmina-Shawls
Image – Wikimedia

Pashmina refers to a particular type of very fine wool woven into the exquisite and magnificent Pashmina shawls. These shawls also embody a rich and intricately designed embroidery and are aptly known as “The Art of Royal.” The craft of producing these shawls demands undivided attention and patience, and hence it takes several days to complete one shawl.

Suggested ReadIndian Traditional Winter Wears of India

2. Phulkari from Punjab

Phulkari-from-Punjab
Image-Regan Vercruysse/Flickr

Phulkari means floral work, as the Phulkari embroidery comprises unique and exquisite floral patterns that adorn the fabric. These spectacular and vibrant designs are what make the Phulkari embroidery fabulous and distinct from others. Phulkari embroidery was initially embodied only in garments but today; it is present in bags, jackets, cushion covers, and other items.

Suggested readMesmerizing Fabric Arts of India

3. Bamboo Handicrafts from Northeast

Handicrafts-of-India-Bamboo-Products-01
Image – com4tablydumb/Flickr

Bamboo handicrafts are prevalent in the states of Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal. These crafts are quite popular as the raw materials used for this Handicraft are eco-friendly. Several items, including baskets, toys, and furniture, can be carved from them.  One of the oldest crafts, Bamboo handicrafts, is known for its elegant design and unique charm.

4. Pottery from Gujarat

Gujarat-Pottery

Pottery began with the Indus Valley Civilization. This art of baking and shaping into clay objects continued for years. Pottery is undoubtedly one of the oldest handicrafts prevalent in our country. This traditional art of crafting handmade pottery has been prevalent in India since the Harappan civilization. Pottery is more prevalent in India’s northern states and includes a variety of different sizes and shapes.

Suggested Read – Indian Pottery, Spinning a Tale of Utility and Art

5. Brass Handicrafts from Rajasthan

Metal-Crafts-of-India-Jaipur-Koftagiri

Humans have learned to make use of metals more than 5 million years ago. The discovery of Brass has made lives easier. Brass Handicrafts are mostly preferred due to their durability. An alloy of zinc and copper, Brass is mostly resistant to tarnishing and hence is an appropriate material for crafting handicrafts. Ornamental boxes, vases, lamps are some of the most popular brass handicrafts commonly found in households.

Suggested Read – Mesmerizing Rajasthani Handicrafts

6. Shell Craft from Goa

Handicrafts-of-India-Shellcraft
Image – Frederick Noronha/Flickr

From bangles and lockets to forks and chandeliers, shells are used to craft many things. Conch shells, seashells, and tortoiseshell are used to create these beautiful handicrafts. Odisha, Goa, and the Gulf of Mannar are popularly known for their shell handicrafts.

7. Woodwork from Many States of India

Handicrafts-of-India-Wood Craft
Image – Pixabay

Artifacts made of wood are quite common in the northern states of India. The artisans of Kashmir, Punjab, and Chattisgarh are known for their beautiful woodwork in making toys, masks, windows, and sculptures. In southern India, too, woodwork is prevalent, in the states of Andra Pradesh, Madurai, Karnataka, and Kerala are also known for their beautiful works of art crafted from wood.

8. Lipaan Kaam from Kutch

Handicrafts-of-India-Lippan-Kaam
Image – Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum/FB

Lipaan Kaam is a mural craft from Kutch. This craft’s beauty lies in its mirror work and the unique designs employed in creating this work of art. Also known as Chittar Kaam, this art is used to decorate the houses’ interior and exterior in Kutch. Lipaan Kaam is made using a mixture of equal proportions of mud and clay.

9. Aranmula Kannadi from Kerala

Handicrafts-of-India Aranmula-Kannadi
Image-Prasanth Prakash/Wikimedia

This Handicraft is a pride of Kerala. A handmade mirror, the Aranmula Kannadi, is produced from a town named Aranmula situated in Kerala. Many believe that having an aranmula Kannadi in their home will bring fortune and prosperity. The excellent craftsmanship and the enchanting appearance of the Aranmula Kannadi are what make it exceptional.

Suggested Read – Kerala’s Beautiful Eco-friendly Handicrafts

10. Bidri Handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh

Handicrafts-of-India Bidri Handicrafts
Image-Randhirreddy/Wikimedia

Bidri handicrafts are crafted with a unique metal, comprising an alloy of copper and zinc, and pure silver sheets. Said to be more than two thousand years old, this craft is popular due to its intricate detailing and aesthetic appeal. From bangles and boxes to statues and masks, many amazing items are produced.

Suggested Read – Metal Crafts of India – A Malleable Mélange

11. Leather Crafts from Maharashtra

Handicrafts-of-India Leather Works
Kolhapuri Chappal – Pratik Biyani via Flickr

Leather is used to craft a wide range of items that are used in everyday life. Shoes and sandals made of leather are available in the country and are exceptionally popular. Kolhapuri chappals, made of leather, from the state of Maharashtra are also quite popular.

Suggested Read – Leather Artistry in India

12. Carpet Weaving from North and Central India

Handicrafts-of-India Carpet-Weaving
Image-PxHere

Carpet-weaving is one of the significant crafts that is prevalent in north India. Uttar Pradesh is said to be the central hub of the carpet weaving industry. The beautiful carpets that are weaved here have some incredible designs, such as the Taj Mahal. The silk carpets of Jammu and Kashmir are also quite popular.

13. Terracotta Works from Assam

Handicrafts-of-India Terracotta-work
Image – Gautam Tarafder/Wikimedia

Terracotta crafts are quite popular in the state of Assam. Skilled artisans carefully craft these handicrafts. Terracotta handicrafts include Toys, pots, artifacts, religious symbols, and vases. The village named Dubri in the District of Goalpara in Assam is well known for Its terracotta handicrafts.

 14. Jute Works from West Bengal

Handicrafts-of-India-Jute-Works
Image – Desibags

The states of West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar are known for their variety of Jute products. Many Jute handicrafts are prevalent in the country and are famous worldwide. There is a wide range of handicrafts available in the country and includes bags, bangles, footwear, and stationery.

15. Zardosi from Uttar Pradesh

Handicrafts-of-India Zardosi
Image-Zarood/Wikimedia

Studded with pearls and other precious stones along with gold and silver threads, the Zardosi embroidery is quite different from any other. This unique embroidery style is popular in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ajmer, Chennai, and Bhopal. Elaborate designs and unique patterns are a distinguishing factor of this embroidery.

16. Warli Paintings from Maharashtra

Handicrafts-of-India Warli-Paintings
Image-RubyGoes/Flickr

Warli paintings are created by the skilled artists of the Warli tribe. The paintings have a unique design and are quite beautiful and fascinating. The themes used in the painting are usually taken from nature. Sun, moon, trees are some of the common motifs employed in the paintings.

17. Gond Paintings from Madhya Pradesh

Handicrafts-of-India Gond-Paintings
Image-Mike Prince/Wikimedia

Practiced by the Gond tribe of India, these paintings are unlike any other. These paintings mostly embody a story element in their work of art and are usually rooted in their folk tales. Mostly popular in Madhya Pradesh, Gond paintings are prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chattisgarh.

18. Blue Pottery from Jaipur

Handicrafts-of-India Jaipur-blue-pottery
Image – lorises/Flickr

The blue pottery of Jaipur has a unique grandeur and stunning appearance, which sets it apart from others. A prominent craftsman of this world-famous craft is Kripal Singh Shekhawat. Blue Pottery of Jaipur includes a wide variety of products, including cups, saucers, tea sets, jars, glasses, and jugs.

19. Coconut Shell Craft from Kerala

Handicrafts-of-India coconut-shell-handicrafts
Image Source

One of the traditional handicrafts from Kerala, the coconut shell craft, has a unique beauty of its own. What makes this craft different from others is its eco-friendly nature and unique designs. Skilled artisans carve a variety of items including cups, boxes, and vases from the coconut shell.

20. Banana Fiber Handicrafts from South India

Handicrafts-of-India Banana-Fiber-Handicrafts
Image-Pijarn Jangsawang/PxHere

The trunk of the Banana tree is utilized to produce the fiber to create these handicrafts. Wall hanging, mats, bags, and many other items can be made using this unique method. These handicrafts are eco-friendly and can be used to create a wide range of products including, doormats, wall hangings, baskets, bags, among others.

21. Coir and Cone Products from Kerala

Handicrafts-of-India-Coir-Works
Image – Rajesh_India/Flickr

Coir products of Kerala are quite popular throughout the world. These eco-friendly products are extracted from the husk of the coconut. Coir mattresses, mats, and many other items are made through this craft.

22. Lacquerware from Kerala

Handicrafts-of-India-lacquer-ware
Image Source

Lacquerware is a distinct handicraft that is produced with a unique blend of woodcraft and metal. These artistic and aesthetic pieces of art are later embellished with precious metals. This eco-friendly lacquer ware is quite popular in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.

23. Dhokra Metal Works from West Bengal

Handicrafts-of-India Dhokra
Image-Kala Tarang/Flickr

Dhokra artifacts are created using an ancient method that dates back to 5000 years ago. Originating from West Bengal, these handicrafts are also popular in Orissa, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Kerala. The Dhokra artifacts are quite popular for the unique style of human or animal figurines made by skilled artisans with precise and intricate detailing.

24. Ceramics Ware from West Bengal

Handicrafts-of-India-Ceramics-Work
Image – Wikimedia

Ceramic crafts are mostly popular in west Bengal, precisely in Kolkata. This Handicraft has been practiced for a long time, though recently, modern technology has also been used for the same.

25. Kauna Grass Craft from Manipur

Handicrafts-of-India-Kauna-Grass
Image – Kauna Mani/FB

Kauna Grass craft is produced mostly from Manipur using a particular reed called Kauna that grows in water. Handbags and baskets are usually made using this Handicraft. Apart from being a beautiful handicraft, it is also eco-friendly.

Handicrafts have a unique beauty that sets them apart from those produced in bulk with machines. It portrays the creativity and imagination of the skilled artisans who craft it with precision and patience. The Handicrafts of a specific region is an embodiment of the distinct culture and tradition of the place it hails from, and hence it plays a significant role in portraying the heritage of their land.

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