The word “handicraft” basically refers to the manual or tool-assisted processing of raw materials to create functional or decorative items made of clay, rock, paper, stone, etc. by skilled artisans. These lovely items were created with a commendable degree of talent, tenacity, and accuracy.

People all over the world have long loved, admired, and marveled at India’s handicrafts. Due to its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in the intricateness of its handicrafts, India is unquestionably a true blue shopper’s paradise.

Types of Indian handicrafts 

  1. Clay & pottery
  2. Leather
  3. Jute
  4. Shell
  5. Metal Handicrafts
  6. Bamboo & Cane
  7. Stone
  8. Bone & Horn
  9. Wooden handicrafts

Indian crafts have a long history, so the fact that they are still made today is indisputable proof of both their high quality and importance. Every craft is a reflection of the tribe that made it and is still making it today, like a mirror. They stand for India’s voluminous tradition and culture.

It takes considerable skill and time to create an authentic handcrafted item, but what makes each one so unique is the special care and attention that is given to each one.

The Indian Handicrafts Industry: Its Function and Importance

Handicrafts hold and preserve the rich traditional art forms and heritage, as well as the skills related to the people’s history and way of life. The nation is fortunate to have a large number of highly skilled artisans. India’s handicrafts have become more well-known abroad as a result. They are crucial for the economic development of the country.

By hiring numerous members of socially disadvantaged groups who support themselves through their artistic endeavors, India is ensuring the survival of its artisans, its art, and its handicrafts.

Ethnic Indian Handicrafts 

India has the capacity to produce a wide range of handicrafts that are well-known on the international market in large quantities.

Indulging in Indian handicrafts is a unique way to appreciate the country’s vibrant culture and diverse traditions. Because of their interstate and international trade, Indian handicrafts have a long and fascinating history, which we will explore in this article. Following are some of the most well-known crafts that will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship:

1. WOODWORK

Wooden handicraft production in India dates back more than 5000 years. In India, sculptures were prevalent long before the advent of stone sculptures. Wooden pieces were formed into a variety of objects by skilled artisans. Chariots, temples, furniture, and homes in our culture are renowned for their intricate carvings.

REGIONAL WOODEN HANDICRAFTS

The opulent woodworking tradition found in the northern states of India is a vital part of the country’s centuries-old handicraft culture.

  • Punjab is renowned for producing beautiful and fine wooden furniture, which is made in numerous districts.
  • The wood carving industry is well-known in the Indian city of Saharanpur, which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Sheesham, Dudhi, and Sal trees are used by the local family craftspeople. Additionally, they acquire and work with ebony, mahogany, and teak. Saharanpur’s wooden handicrafts have the finest craftsmanship.
  • Kashmir is renowned for its fine artifacts made from walnut trees.
  • Because the local artisans in Chhattisgarh are skilled at creating wooden objects like masks, doors, window frames, and sculptures, the thriving wooden craft is still very much alive there.
  • Beautiful wooden toys from Jharkhand are well-known for being sold in pairs only.
  • The result of the contemporary aesthetic fusion of the Portuguese and Indian cultures is the ultimate fusion of woodcarvings, a specialty of Goa. The gorgeous floral, human, and animal designs on Goa woodcrafts are very reasonably priced.

Given the abundance of forests and wildlife in South India, woodworking is a highly esteemed craft there. The two main types of wood are sandalwood and rosewood. A variety of designs are carved into red sandalwood from Andhra Pradesh to make cutlery, delicate boxes, and paper knives. These handicrafts are well-liked due to their exotic designs, which highlight the brilliant artistic creativity of our artisans.

  • Madurai, a city in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its rosewood carvings, which are highly prized.
  • Famous Karnataka locales are well-known for their abundance of fine rosewood furniture, paintings, and elephants. Sandalwood is also used to make functional and beautiful artifacts that are engraved with floral, creeper, bird, and animal patterns.
  • Kumbli wood is used to carve incredibly artistic and lovely female figurines in Kerala.

2. CLAY CRAFT or POTTERY

Pottery is considered to be the most sensual type of art. Handmade pottery has been a common tradition in India since the Indus Valley Civilization. One of India’s most fundamental categories of handicrafts is pottery, along with clay crafts and other closely related crafts. “Kumhaars” is the name given to potters.

The pottery is available in a variety of colors in addition to its well-known Terracotta form, including red, grey, and black.

REGIONAL CLAY HANDICRAFTS

  • The terracotta handicrafts made in Assam are a striking example of the region’s ancient culture. Historically, Assamese artisans spent a lot of time making figurines of religious icons. The terracotta artisans of today concentrate equally on designer items, toys, dolls, pots, vases, etc. The Assamese village of Dhubri, located in the Goalpara district, is well-known in the world terracotta market.
  • Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are known for their varied pottery designs, which use colors like black and dark red as well as orange, brown, and light red.
  • India’s craft traditions place a special emphasis on pottery, and the state of Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its painted black pottery.
  • For their painted pottery, pottery with geometric patterns, and kagzi pottery, respectively, Bikaner, Pokhran, and Alwar in Rajasthan are well-known.
  • Blue pottery is another thing Jaipur is well known for. The name of the pottery comes from the bright blue dye that was used to color it. Animal, bird, floral, and geometric motifs can all be found in designs with obvious Persian influences. This particular kind of pottery is made using Fuller’s Earth (Multani mitti), the only substance that is used in place of clay.
  • Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Bikaner, Lucknow, and Pune are other locations that make clay ware.
  • Terracotta products made in the Indian state of Odisha’s districts of Baragarh, Khurda, Keonjhar, and Koraput have been praised for centuries over the world. Local potters continue to use the traditional potter’s wheels today.

3. LEATHER HANDICRAFT

India’s long-standing and well-established convention of leather skill was founded by ancient sages and ascetics. The leather-making tradition was established by the Indus Valley civilization. Hats, bags, saddles, shields, as well as clothing and footwear, were among the leather goods that ancient artisans were skilled at creating. One of the nations that sell the most leather goods worldwide is India.

REGIONAL LEATHER HANDICRAFTS

  • Shoes, bags, clothing, and other items are mass-produced, but Madhya Pradesh’s leather craft is quite distinctive and unmatched.
  • Kolhapuri chappals, an exquisite type of leather footwear, are another Maharashtrian trademark.

4. JUTE HANDICRAFT

The “Golden Fiber,” Indian jute, is often used to make magnificent and exquisite craft items. Due to its low cost and environmental friendliness, this fiber has a special place in handicrafts all over the world. India is a major source of jute handicrafts, and buyers from all over the world travel there to buy these exquisite works of art.

REGIONAL JUTE HANDICRAFTS

The top three jute-producing states in India are West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar, and these three states also control the jute-handicrafts market.

5. SHELL HANDICRAFT

In India, shell crafts have always been among the most well-liked genres of art. The three primary shell types that are frequently used in Indian shell crafts are conch shells, tortoiseshells, and seashells. India experienced a gradual development and advancement of shell craft.

REGIONAL SHELL HANDICRAFTS

The Gulf of Mannar, Goa, Odisha, and many other seaside regions that are the hubs of this craftsmanship is traditionally the seashore locations that excel in shell craftsmanship. One should visit these states to shop for cheap shellcraft since these products are mass-produced and easily accessible there.

6. METAL HANDICRAFTS

Since they are known to be strong and long-lasting, metal (brass, bidri) handicrafts have flourished and expanded so much throughout history. The majority of the traditional methods of metalworking are still in use today in the towns of Rajasthan, Bidar, Pembarthi, and Kamrup. It takes a lot of skill and endurance to make metal products, which is a challenging task. These artisans of brass handicrafts are referred to as “Kansaris.”