Indian handicrafts – Types & traditions

Introduction

India is a land of diverse cultures and is home to a wide range of traditional handicrafts. Earlier tribal people lived in colonies where they made products by hand for daily use. These traditional handmade items are known as handicrafts because artisans produce them by hand. Indian art and craft are diverse field which encompass traditional techniques, styles and materials. It includes tools such as chisels, scissors, chenille, scissors and hammers for creating that product. Handicrafts are a unique art form that represents the heritage and culture of any region. These crafts require a lot of skills and mastery, so one needs to have a lot of patience and focus to develop handcrafted products. These crafts are then preserved and shared with future generations.

History of Indian Handicrafts

India has one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a long tradition of practising handicrafts. Earlier civilization demonstrated high-level craftsmanship through beadwork, steatite seals, and terracotta figurines. During Vedic period, artists began working with bamboo, metal, and wood to create practical artefacts. Early forms of embroidery and weaving emerged during this era. The classical era was marked by the reign of the Guptas, Cholas and Mauryas who cultivated bronze work, jewellery making, stone carving and textile weaving. The medieval period marked the rise of Islamic influences through inlay work, zardozi embroidery and Bidriware. A Southern town sustained traditional arts such as brassware and Tanjore. The colonial era led to the decline of Indian handicrafts. Gandhi’s movement of Khadi encouraged people to wear more traditional products. After India’s independence, the government focused on reviving traditional art forms and promoting handicrafts worldwide. In today’s time, handicrafts range from Pashmina to Dhokra, Kalamkari to Meenakari. Earlier we used to be able to find these things offline only but now customer can find Indian Handicrafts online easily.

Different types of Crafts of India:

Metal crafts- 

•  Dhokra Art from Chhattisgarh – Metal casting is an ancient technique, and Dhokra art utilizes the lost wax method. It is used to make lamps, animal motifs and tribal figurines from brass. This art form is distinct from others, as each piece is unique and entirely handmade.
• Bidriware from Karnataka – Bidri art originated during the 14th-15th century in Bidar, utilizing an alloy of copper and zinc. Bidri is famous handicraft in Karnataka, which a metal inlay work where the artist engraves intricate designs using silver wire on a black surface, creating a striking contrast. Traditional people used to do Bidri work on Hookahs, boxes and vases, but in the contemporary world different decorative items are made from Bidri.

2. Wooden & Stone crafts 

• Marble inlay from Agra – Parchinkari is another name for marble inlay work, which originated in Agra. This handicraft technique involves finely cutting marbles and then engraving on them. It also includes inserting semi-precious stones, such as lapis, jasper, and lazuli, into the base of the marble. This technique is renowned among the descendants of workers who built the Taj Mahal. It is used to create tabletops, decorative pieces and plates. 
• Soapstone carving from Tamil Nadu – Soapstone is a metamorphic rock which is mined in Tamil Nadu. It is rich in talc and can be used for carving using freehand techniques without any drawing or markings. It can be used to make incense stands, animal figurines and miniature dolls. 
• Saharanpur woodwork from Uttar Pradesh - The woodwork of Saharanpur is renowned for its intricate designs, inlay work, and carvings. Local artisans from Saharanpur feature elaborate designs, including vine leaf patterns, figurative carvings, and geometric designs, on wood. The inlay work is crafted with ivory, brass, and other materials, which further enhance the detail of the pieces. This wood has been used to make not just furniture but also decorative objects since the Mughal Era.

3. Folk painting

• Miniature Paintings from Rajasthan - Miniature paintings from Rajasthan are renowned for their intricate detailing, diverse themes, and bold colours. These paintings depict royal portraits, daily life scenes and religious stories. These paintings are made on Waslis handmade paper using natural pigment colours and gold and silver metals.
• Pattachitra from Odisha and Bengal -Pattachitra is a cloth-based painting that originated in Odisha. Pattachitra is handicraft in Odisha is known for storytelling through intricate details and vibrant colours. Most depicted scenes are from folktales and mythology, such as Jagannath and Radha Krishna. There is a difference between Pattachitra from Odisha and Bengal. One focuses on mythology stories, while the other depicts social issues.

4. Pottery and ceramics

• Terracotta from Bankura, West Bengal - It is quite famous for its Terracotta or baked clay handicrafts. They have a variety of items with intricate detailing, ranging from statues and figurines to everyday objects and ornamental buildings. In this thousand-year-old technique, local clay is mixed with water, river sand and hay to make clay. The potter's wheel is used to shape the object by hand, and then it is dried and fired in the kiln. It is used to make objects for home décor, utility products and jewellery. 
• Blue pottery from Jaipur – Blue pottery is renowned for its bright blue hues, featuring floral and geometric patterns. It is made from a mix of quartz stone powder, Multani Mitti, borax, powdered glass, water and gum. They are glazed in fire at low temperatures to preserve their colour. It is used for plates, bowls, pots, jewellery boxes, coasters and tiles.

5. Textile arts –

• Pashmina from Kashmir – Pashmina is made from the finest quality cashmere wool, which is extracted from the Changthangi goat, which is a native bread in Ladakh, Kashmir. Cashmere is renowned for its warmth, softness, and delicate texture, making it a prized fabric. It can be used to make shawls, scarves and other garments. Pashmina is known for intricate weaving techniques, which include elaborate colours and patterns. 
• Bandhani from Rajasthan and Gujarat – Bandhani is a tie-dye textile made by plucking cloth with fingernails into various tiny bindings that create a figurative design. This craft is famous for its vibrant colours and intricate design and patterns. It originated during the Indus Valley civilization but is now primarily practised in regions such as Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bandhani is done with a dupatta, dress materials and saree. Bandhani has cultural significance, and it is worn during auspicious events such as weddings and festivals. 
• Chikankari from Lucknow – Chikankari is an ancient embroidery technique characterized by intricate designs on various fabrics, including cotton, muslin, silk, and chiffon. This handicraft requires delicate needlework featuring floral motifs, leaves, and paisleys. These styles are inspired by Persian and Mughal art. The needlework is done using white and other threads in different colours. Lucknow Chikankari work is quite famous as it’s a time-consuming process.

6. Bamboo & grass crafts

• Bamboo Crafts from Northeast Asia – Bamboo crafts are an integral part of Northeastern culture from states like Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. Bamboo crafts are used to make products such as mats, baskets, fishing traps, and furniture. Bamboo is split into uniform strips and then woven into various sizes and shapes. 
• Sabai grass from Orissa – Sabai grass is a strong, perennial grass native to India and used in rural handicrafts. Sabai grass is sun-dried and then twisted into ropes, which are subsequently woven into various products. Sabai grass is often blended with cotton threads to create different designs and colours. This grass grows in hilly areas and is harvested for making ropes, baskets, mats and paper pulp. It is used in tribal communities and supports sustainable livelihoods that help reduce soil erosion. Sabai grass handicraft products are handwoven items made by rural artisans based in Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Sabai Grass products are sustainable and exported to the international market.

Cultural value of Indian Handicraft

Indian handicraft is not just an aesthetic showpiece, but it also has symbolic value. They represent the ethos and culture of the artisans who created it. Most of these handicraft products are spiritual or symbolic. For example, many inlay paintings depict religious or mythological themes, while Warli paintings showcase their belief system and traditional tribal rituals. The use of natural materials, such as plant fibre, earth-based dye and metal ore represents a good relationship between sustainability and tradition.

Artists community and preservation of skill

Artists often pass down their hard-earned skills to the next generation. This skill is either passed down to their children, or they share it within their community. These skills are learned through observation or even assisting the artisans. In this modern world, it has become quite challenging due to mass production, low returns and lack of awareness. Due to this younger generations are looking for stable options. The government is now supporting Indian handicrafts to prevent them from dying out by providing financial support. Social media has been used to enhance awareness about these unique arts and their significance. The government recognizes these arts by presenting awards to skilled Indian artisans. For example Padma award is given to Indian artisans who are working towards the revival of these arts. Conclusion

Conclusion

Indian handicrafts are an integral part of India's rich legacy of cultural traditions. Each piece has unique stories and techniques that are passed down through generations. We must support Indian artists, as their livelihoods depend on these art forms. In the 21st century, choosing handicraft products over mass-produced products is a conscious choice. It is essential to select traditions over fading trends, culture over convenience and people (Local artisans) over mass-produced products. If you are buying a Mysore inlay painting, a blue pottery set, a Dhokra pen stand, or a Bidri bookmark, you are embracing a rich legacy, not just purchasing a mere product.