India, a country rich in its heritage, culture, religion, and diversity was once famous for its Handicrafts which reflected the stories and traditions of different states of India and was a major contributor to the country’s economy. During the colonial period, a major setback was observed by the artisans and craftspersons and ultimately the decline of our pride! Despite the challenges, It has been observed that now there is a growing importance of restoring India’s Handicraft Industry. What are you waiting for? Explore the traditional and cultural importance of different states through their crafts and realize the importance of this industry which got lost earlier in a deep corner. Now let us understand about the Top 10 Traditional Indian Handicrafts.
2. Importance Of Traditional
Indian Handicraft
• India, a country rich in its heritage, culture, religion, and diversity was once
famous for its Handicrafts which reflected the stories and traditions of different
states and was a major contributor to the country’s economy. During the colonial
period, a major setback was observed by the artisans and craftsperson’s and
ultimately the decline of our pride!
• Despite the challenges, It has been observed that now there is a growing
importance of restoring India’s Handicraft Industry.
• What are you waiting for? Explore the traditional and cultural importance of
different states through their crafts and realize the importance of this industry which
got lost earlier in a deep corner.
3. Different types of Indian Traditional Handicrafts: -
Pashmina
Shawls
Bamboo
handicraft
Madhubani
Painting
Pottery
Bandhej
Clothing
Carpet
weaving
Phulkari Silk Sarees
Warli Painting Lac Bangles
4. Pashmina Shawls
Do you want to wear the most aesthetic and
warm clothing in winter?
Then this is it! Pashmina shawl is the finest
and highest-quality wool with its origin in
Kashmir. This wool (Cashmere) is obtained
from a special breed of goat found only in the
Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Jammu, and
Kashmir. The yarn is hand-spun and has also
gained global recognition.
It is known to be the “Finest Craftsmanship in
the World”.
A few Facts about Pashmina Shawls: -
• Very soft
• Luxurious
• Silky against the skin
• Lightweight (12 to 16 microns)
• Softness and Warmth
5. Bamboo Handicraft
It is one of the oldest crafts and is
universally practiced throughout India.
Though Karnataka is famous for its
bamboo handicrafts and designs. Bamboo
is a sustainable and versatile material
known for its flexibility, strength, and faster
growth rate. It supports local craftsmanship
and promotes sustainable development.
Some common Bamboo Handicrafts: -
a. Furniture- Chair, Table, shelves, bed, outdoor
furniture
b. Utensils- Spoons, bowls, cutting board, etc.
c. Baskets and Boxes
d. Décor Items
e. Art and sculptures
•
6. Madhubani Painting
Are you a designer or interested in art and craft making? Then
this is it!
• Madhubani Painting is referred to as “Mithila art” and is a
traditional style of folk originated from Bihar. It is an ancient
and vibrant mode of art in India with a rich cultural legacy.
• It is the means of storytelling, celebration, and communication
and is usually made by women during auspicious occasions.
It has gained appreciation and global recognition and is
exhibited in events and art galleries. Some popular styles of
this painting are Bharni, Kachri, Tantric, and Godna.
• Vibrant colors obtained from natural dues of flowers, fruits,
etc., intrinsic patterns, and bold lines are used in this art form
to make it look more attractive and aesthetic. This art is also
inspired by animal motifs, creatures, gods, and goddesses
like Krishna, Rama, and Shiva as a symbol of unity, peace,
love, and prosperity.
7. Pottery
Are you fascinated by different craft items? Then
this is it!
• Pottery is a timeless craft practiced for thousands
of years across different cities and cultures. It is
the process of shaping clay into different shapes
and structures to make it more artistic and
appealing utility. It is a universal art that is used
for various purposes like- storing food or water
and plays a vital role in trade and commerce.
• Engaging in pottery-making promotes relaxation,
creativity, and therapeutic purposes and is a
meditative activity.
• Overall, Pottery plays a multifaceted role in
Human’s Past and Present.
8. Bandhej Clothing
Do you aspire to wear fashionable clothing and be
comfortable at the same time? What are you waiting
for? This is it.
• Also known as Bandhani, Bandhej is a traditional
Indian textile that involves tie-dyeing fabric. It has
been practiced in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat
for centuries and is used to make Sarees, dupattas,
other garments, etc.
• It is a blend of cultures, traditions, heritage, and
craftsmanship and is worn during auspicious
occasions and celebrations.
• It is recognized for its unique style and modern
design, and it also provides a livelihood for artisans-
especially women. It contributes to economic
empowerment and sustainable development.
9. Carpet Weaving
It is considered a s a form of artistic expression in
which artisans convert raw material into textile
floor coverings.
• What does this process involve?
• It involves hard work, careful planning, attention
to detail, and creativity.
• The trade of Carpet helps weavers and
craftspeople to generate employment and
contribute to the country’s economy. These
hard-woven carpets are known for their
durability, flexibility, and their exceptional
beauty and design. They convey deeper
cultural and spiritual messages and were earlier
exchanged between different regions through
the Silk Route.
• It contains warp and weft threads which are
knotted by hand converting them into patterns
and takes almost a year to obtain the finished
good.
10. Phulkari
• Phulkari is a hereditary embroidery tradition
practiced by women in Punjab with intricate flower
designs. It involves bright-colored threads with
geometrical patterns or stylized representations of
nature. It has a cultural significance in Punjab and
is worn during auspicious occasions and festivals.
It is believed that when a girl is born into the
family, then the women start to embroider phulkari
dupattas to carry the baby.
• It is a blend of traditional and modern artwork and
can enhance the whole look. It is a craft that
provides employment and livelihood to thousands
of women and has a spiritual and cultural
significance.
11. Silk Sarees
• A silk saree is made from silk fabric which is a natural
protein fiber obtained from rearing silkworms. Some
popular types of Silk are mulberry silk, Tussar silk, Eri silk,
and Muga silk. Mysore silk sarees from Karnataka are the
most renowned silk sarees.
Features of Silk:-
Durable
Shiny
Lustrous
Smoothness
Texture
• They are worn in different regions on different occasions
and are designed according to diverse needs. They have
gained global recognition and lots of foreign travelers and
enthusiasts adore the craftsmanship and its beauty.
• The silk saree showcases the timeless beauty, and rich
cultural heritage and is India’s pride.
12. Warli Painting
• It is the traditional tribal art form that originated from
the Warli Tribe of Maharashtra known for the wall art
for decorative and ritualistic purposes. These
paintings are known for their simplicity, minimalism,
and geometric shapes. It is created from natural
materials and is placed on mud walls or paper. These
paintings symbolize the scenes of Tribal life, their
means of livelihood, and their connection with forest
life, nature, spirituality, and community.
• A lot of efforts are being made to preserve their
culture and art form through workshops, events, and
art galleries. This art also shows the fusion of shapes,
and storytelling and is known for its authenticity.
13. Lac Bangles
• Also known as Lacquer, these are traditional
Indian bangles made from resinous secretion
produced by the lac insect (kerria Lacca).
Bangles are made by artisans who mold the Lac
into different shapes and sizes to produce
decorative materials like stones, mirrors, beads,
and bangles.
• These bangles are usually worn in Indian
weddings and auspicious occasions. It is famous
for its vibrant colors and intricate design which
enhances traditional attire. It is believed to be a
symbol of marital status in Indian households and
also contributes to employment generation for
bangle makers passed on from generation to
generation.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
• Q1. Why is it important to preserve our Handicraft industry?
• Ans- The preservation of these crafts sustains cultural identity and provides employment and
empowerment to lakhs of artisans.
• Q2. Is the Handicraft industry declining?
• Ans- Yes, it is declining due to foreign competition which provides cheap and good quality
products.
• Q3. What is the future of the Handicraft industry?
• Ans- Significant growth and demand for sustainable products are observed in the coming years.
• Q4. Why is Handicraft expensive?
• Ans- Handicrafts are expensive because they are made by hand and not from machines which
takes the valuable investment of artisan’s time.
• Q5. Are Handicrafts Popular in India?
• Ans- Not only India, but the handicrafts have obtained global recognition and have left everyone
awestruck.
15. Conclusion
Handicraft is a substantial means of preserving the rich traditional
art and craft of the country. The youth need to understand and be
aware of these handicrafts which have been passed on from
generation to generation. I hope the information provided will be of
great help.
