Treasured Handicrafts Of India!
“Multiplicity of the magnificent culture and arts of India definitely needs a big stage.” -Sadhguru Handlooms and handicrafts have always been a valuable cultural characteristic of nations and communities from the beginning of civilization. After all, culture and creativity manifest themselves in almost all sectors of life, be it economic, social, or others. INDIA – the land where traditional melodies merge seamlessly with an enthralling potpourri of beautiful paintings, ancient weaves, divine dance forms, captivating festivals, and scintillating sculptures – has always been recognized for the plurality of its culture. With each of its states and union territories exploding with ethnic flavors that multiply at every turn, this grand country sparkles with enthusiasm and vitality. So, let’s have a look at the varied art forms and handicrafts of India that makes this country what it is. Jammu & Kashmir Pashmina Shawls from Jammu and Kashmir are appreciated worldwide for their ethnic beauty. They are considered a symbol of lavishness and luxury. Moreover, the heavenly beauty that Kashmir possesses is well-reflected in its texture. Himachal Pradesh Popularly known as Pahari Painting, this art has received praise from not only national but also international tourists. These paintings are remarkably colorful and depict the lives of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Furthermore, they also display the unique flora and fauna of the state. Uttarakhand Wood Carving is an integral part of the state of Uttarakhand. Renowned for their simplistic yet delicate as well as attractive designs, this art is found primarily in the form of folk, religious, and tantric motifs. Punjab Phulkari, the folk embroidery of Punjab, finds its first mentions in the Punjabi folklore of Heer and Ranjha. Spun from the charkha and patterned on odinis, shawls, Kurtis, etc., Phulkari translates to floral work, but the designs also include motifs and geometrical shapes. Haryana An indigenous carpet made with cotton threads of differing thicknesses, Durries are rugs having spectacular geometric designs. The durries of Panipat, also known as a city of weavers, are exported to countries like Canada, Japan, Germany, and Australia. Uttar Pradesh Among the fascinating arts and crafts of Uttar Pradesh, Chikankari is perhaps one of the most renowned. In the city of Lucknow, market lanes are filled with shops selling chikan work in multiple forms. You can pick up shirts, kurtas, bedsheets, table cloth, pillow covers, and many other items adorned in chikankari. Bihar Madhubani Painting is a rural art form that was developed by the women of the Mithila region of Bihar. These paintings mostly depict nature and Hindu religious motifs, along with mythological stories. In recent times, this art form has acquired a universal appeal. Jharkhand The Paitkar Paintings at Jharkhand are one of the most ancient schools of painting in India. Popularly known as the scroll paintings of the east, themes of these are largely drawn from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Sikkim Thangka Paintings, with their beauty and charm, are a wonderful expression used to convey messages of Buddhist philosophy. Unique to Sikkim, these paintings depict Buddhism, and its philosophies through scenes, mandalas, and deities. Assam Assam has a long tradition of mask making. Popularly known as Mukhas in the local language, masks have been a significant part of the state’s culture and tradition since time immemorial. Ordinarily made from terracotta, metal, bamboo, and wood, these excellently crafted masks usually depict local deities and characters from Hindu legends. Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Nagaland Cane and Bamboo Products are an inseparable part of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. They are used amazingly by skilled craftsmen to create various items such as baskets, hats, cane vessels, cane belts, carved bamboo mugs, ashtrays, and different types of ornamental and everyday use objects. Manipur Manipur is distinguished for its unique Longpi Pottery. This ancient art, known for its unparalleled style and technique, belongs to the Longpi Khullen and Longpi Kajui villages of the state and has gained fame in the global markets, thanks to the elaborate and intricate designs of the pottery items. Tripura Handloom is the largest and perhaps the most magnificent industry in the state of Tripura. The tribes of this state weave and design garments for themselves with luxurious patterns, unique color combinations, and lasting texture. Various street-side shops that showcase these authentic handlooms are every shopper’s delight. Meghalaya The state of Meghalaya, too, is renowned for its Bamboo artifacts. The Khasi tribe weaves a special kind of cane mat called Tlieng that is quite popular in Meghalaya for its durability. On the other hand, the Garo tribe is known for Dakmanda, a cloth used for their dresses along with shirts, bed covers, bed sheets, and tablecloths. They also make baskets called Meghum Khoks that are used for storing different items. West Bengal Well-known for having elaborate motifs on the border as well as pallu, Baluchari Sarees are unique because of the presence of depictions from scenes of mythological tales like Mahabharat and Ramayana. These sarees are considered a sign of aristocracy, the attire of status. Odisha A traditional art form, Pattachitra are miniature paintings, known for their intricate details as well as the mythological narratives and folktales inscribed on it. Practiced widely in Raghurajpur village, on the outskirts of Puri, these bright-colored paintings have become synonymous to the place. Madhya Pradesh Papier-Mache products are well-known throughout Madhya Pradesh. This beautiful craft is a crucial part of Gwalior’s handicraft industry. The articles made using papier-mache are known for their bright and dazzling colors, and one would discover that the color gold is a common feature in most of them. Rajasthan The intricate, visually stunning, and vibrant Pichwai Paintings of Rajasthan are famous all over the country. They have distinctive features of large eyes, a broad nose, and a heavy body, similar to the features on the idol of Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna. Over time, Pichwais have also found a place in the homes of art connoisseurs, owing to their visual charm. Gujarat The state of Gujarat is the center of
