This document provides a history of the development of Indian handicrafts from ancient civilizations to the medieval period. It details how handicraft traditions evolved under different empires and regional influences, focusing on the crafts of pottery, weaving, sculpture, metalworking and jewelry. Key developments include the rich craft tradition of the Indus Valley civilization, references to crafts in ancient texts like the Vedas, influences from neighboring cultures integrated into crafts over time, and the patronage of crafts under royal dynasties like the Mauryans, Guptas and regional empires.

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2. History of Indian Handicrafts The first references to Indian handicrafts can be found from the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.) The handicrafts traditions in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs, domestic & foreign trade. Indian handicraft traditions are influenced by local topography, climate, and socio-religious factors Indian handicrafts tradition has unique place in the world, in diversity as well as in technique and use of materials

3. Development of Indian Handicrafts in Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.) had a rich crafts tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the field of Pottery Making, Sculpture (metal, stone, terracotta), Jewelry and Weaving. The craftsmen not only catered to all the local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via ancient sea routes.

4. Development of Indian Handicrafts in Vedic Era The Indus Valley Civilization was followed by the Vedic Age (1500 B.C.), when the Vedas were written. There are numerous references in the Vedas on artisans involved in Pottery Making, Weaving, Wood Crafting etc. The Rig Veda in particular refers to a variety of Pottery made from Clay, Wood and Metal.

5. Development of Indian Handicrafts in State Empires The concept of state was ushered by the rise of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. It is said that during the time of Ashoka 84,000 Stupas were built in India, including the world famous Sanchi Stupa, which has beautiful Stone Carving and relief work done on it. Numerous Sculptures from Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati, Vaishali, Sanchi etc show female figures adorned with an array of Jewelry, which continues to inspire Contemporary Jewelry making. The iron pillars of Vaishali (Bihar) and Delhi, created during the time of Emperor Ashoka, are a marvel in the field of Metallurgy.

6. Development of Indian Handicrafts in Post Maurya Era In the period between 1st century B.C. and 1st century A.D, intrusions can be seen in the Buddhist Sculptures from Taxila, Begram, Bamiyan, Swat valley etc (all from the present day Pakistani North West Frontier province) which show a high degree of Greek influence. Jewelry, Sculpture, Textile Making, Leather Products, Metal Working etc. were the main handicrafts that inherited foreign influences and assimilated them in accordance with the Indian milieu .

7. Development of Indian Handicrafts in Gupta Era The Gupta (AD 320-647) age is referred to as the classical period in Indian history. The points in the field of craft include the rock cut temples of Ellora and the Ajanta murals. These murals give us a realistic view of the lifestyle of that time. The craftsmen of this period, under royal patronage excelled in Jewelry Making, Woodcarving, Sculpture, Stone Carving and Weaving.

8. Development of Indian Handicrafts in Medieval India The Medieval period of Indian history in the context of handicrafts showed a marked shift from north India to the Deccan and southern parts of the country. The handicraftsmen under the Delhi Kingdom period flourished in the field of Pottery, Weaving, Wood Carving, Metal Working, Jewelry etc. The contribution of the Cholas and the Vijaynagar Empire in the field of Bronze Sculpture, Silk Weaving, Jewelry, Temple Carving is beyond parallel. The fine example of stone carving from central India can be seen in the form of the Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandelas. Rich and ornate wood and stone carving can be found in medieval temple of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa.

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