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Indian Handicrafts - Art and Culture Notes

Handicrafts are all the items made by a man's or woman's hands. Indian handicrafts encapsulate the essence of Indian culture, beauty, and richness of Indian
heritage. Many Indian states have distinct handicrafts that demonstrate creative ability and expertise. Artists employ their talent to make a variety of items, both
ornamental and practical. These crafts are one-of-a-kind since they are entirely handcrafted without the aid of any machinery. In this article, we will discuss
Indian Handicrafts, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

What are Handicrafts?

Hastkala, hastshilp, dastkari, and karigari are typical Indian terminology for handicrafts.
They all indicate workmanship, but they also refer to products manufactured with craftsmanship, i.e., specialized hand skills
that are also beautiful.
The aesthetic element of such products is an integral aspect of their worth, implying that the object of usefulness has a value
that extends beyond its utility and is also attractive to the sight.
A handcrafted product is rarely purely ornamental, and whether it is unadorned or heavily embellished, its real purpose is
served only when it is both functional and beautiful.

Other Relevant Links

Glassware Silver Crafts

Tie and Dye Clay and Pottery Work

Embroidery Crafts Metal Crafts

Types of Handicrafts

Some of the major handicrafts of India are:

Glassware
Cloth Handicrafts including Tie and Dye and Embroidery Crafts
Ivory Carving
Terracotta Craft
Silver Crafts
Clay and Pottery Work
Metal Crafts
Leather Products
Toy Making
Stoneware
Embroidery Craft
Floor Designs

Glassware

Glassmaking in India, like most other artisan traditions, has a long history. The Mahabharata, India's great epic, contains a
reference to it.
However, there is no evidence of glass beads in the early Harappan civilisation based on material evidence.
The first material evidence comes in the form of beautiful glass beads from the Ganges Valley's Painted Grey Ware culture
(c. 1000 BC).
Glass was referred to as kanch or kaca in the Vedic text Satapatha Brahmana.
 Glass archaeological evidence was discovered in the southern part of India at Maski, a Chalcolithic site in Deccan.
Glass bangles are an important component of Indian jewelry history.
The most beautiful and elegant ones are made in Hyderabad and are known as 'Churikajodas.'
Ferozabad, in Uttar Pradesh, is famed for its glass bangles and utilitarian glassware.

Glass Bangles

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Glassware: Indian Handicrafts

Cloth Handicrafts

Cloth is used for a variety of handicraft techniques, including weaving and printing.
The artists create patterns on other materials by using wooden blocks or printed cloths.
Tie and dye creates beautiful designs on fabrics, and there are various techniques in India.
Bandhani or Bandhej, often known as the 'Tie and Dye' method in English, is one of the most significant arts. This
technique is prevalent in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Tie and Dye Technique

Kalamkari, which uses the art of hand painting on fabrics with vegetable dyes of deep colours, is another ancient process
that is still used today. It is widely used in Andhra Pradesh.
 Kalamkari

Another lovely method of fabric decoration is Batik Art, in which one end of the fabric is permeated with molten wax and
then dyed in cold to produce multicoloured batik saris and dupattas.
Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal are well-known for their batik art.

Batik Art

The skill of creating elevated patterns using threads or wooden blocks is unique among textile crafts. This is known as
embroidery, and it is done with the use of needles and gold, silver, silk, or cotton threads on cloth.
 Embroidery Work

Weaving refers to the process of interlacing yarn to produce textiles and fabrics.
The vertical thread is called the warp, while the horizontal thread is referred to as the weft.
Warp and weft are usually laced in fixed patterns using a loom. The different ways of lacing result in varied types of
weaves.

Weaving

Weaving

Ivory Carving

Ivory carving has been practiced in India since the Vedic time when it was referred to as 'danta,' most likely as a reference to
the elephant's tusk, which provided the ivory.
Recent discoveries have revealed that ivory and ivory-based products such as ivory dice were traded from India to
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and areas of the Persian Gulf during the Harappan period.
An inscription from Sanchi has been discovered dating from 2 BCE. It mentions the Vidisha guild of ivory workers and the
carved sculptures in the Sanchi Stupa.
Aside from these literary references, archaeological remains of an ivory comb from Taxila have been discovered,
demonstrating that ivory was popular even in 2 A.D.
There are numerous ivory artefacts from the Mughal period that were used for combs, dagger handles, and other
ornaments.
Traditional ivory carving centres include Delhi, Jaipur, and parts of West Bengal. They have created beautiful works of art,
caskets, palanquins, and the well-known Ambari Hathi. Other important areas include:
Kerala - It is well-known for paintings on ivory.
Jodhpur - It is famous for ivory bangles.
 Jaipur - It is well-known for its ivory jali work, which is used in homes and small art objects.

Ivory Handicraft

Ivory Handicraft

Terracotta Crafts

Terracotta, which literally means "baked earth," is a type of semi-fired ceramic clay.
This process makes it waterproof and hard, making it ideal for sculpting and architectural edifices.
It has also been widely used in the production of pottery and bricks.
Bankura Horse, Panchmura Horse, and Terracotta temples are some of the best examples of terracotta craftsmanship in
the Bankura district of West Bengal.
The Buddhist viharas, which date back to the ancient Pala period, are India's finest examples of terracotta art.

Terracotta Craft

Terracotta Craft

Silver Crafts

Filigree work is one of the most well-known methods utilized by silver jewelry designers.
 The silver anklets known as painri and paijam are very popular in Odisha.
Gunchi is silver crocheted decorations that are one-of-a-kind.
The Bidri work done in Karnataka's Bidri village is also well-known for its beauty. It employs silver inlay work against
dark backgrounds.

Filigree Work

Filigree Work

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Silver Craft - Indian Handicrafts

Clay and Pottery Work

Pottery has been referred to as the "Lyric of handicrafts" because it is shaped like a poetic composition and has a sensual
appeal to the senses.
Making objects out of clay was one of the first crafts started by man.
The earliest evidence was discovered in the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, which is now located in Pakistan.
The relics show that the art of making clay pottery was highly developed in 6000 BC.
The most well-known pottery from the ancient period is Painted Grey Ware pottery, which is typically grey in colour and
was associated with the Vedic period (1500-600 BC).

Pottery Work

Pottery Work

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Clay and Pottery Works - Indian Handicrafts

Bronze Crafts

Metals were used more for spears and arrows in ancient India than for art.
Metal casting, on the other hand, has been used in craftsmanship for over 5000 years.
 Bronze work is one of the oldest art forms, as evidenced by the bronze statue of a Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro, which
dates between 3500 and 3000 BCE.
We know that the first nonferrous metals used by humans were copper and tin, which were combined to form bronze.
The Matasya Purana contains the earliest literary evidence about various methods of casting bronze. Later texts, such as
Nagarjuna's Rasa Ratnakar, mentioned metal purity and zinc distillation.
Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of bronze crafts, with major centres such as Etawah, Sitapur, Varanasi, and
Moradabad.
They make decorative items such as flower pots and images of Gods and Goddesses.
They are also known for making ritual objects such as tamrapatra, kanchantal, and panchpatra.
Tamil Nadu is another important centre for producing beautiful ancient statues resembling art forms from the Pallava, Chola,
Pandyan, and Nayaka periods.
The following are important Brass work centres:

Important Brass work centres

Gaja Tandava Shiva dancing in the Tandava position. Kerala

Rare Jain imagery and Reflects the need of ancient Jain pilgrim centres in
Karnataka
icons Karnataka.

Dokra Casting Used for ornaments made of brass. Odisha and West Bengal

Jaipur and parts of Uttar

Pahaldar Lamps Copper and brass lamps in different styles and shapes.
Pradesh

Exquisite sheet metal (brass) art to adorn Chariots and

Pembarthi Crafts Warangal district, Telangana
temples.

Bronze Craft

Bronze Craft

Metal Crafts

Metal casting in iron, copper, bell metal, and other metals can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
These crafts are distinguished by the use of ornamentation on metal through techniques such as engraving, embossing, and
damascening.
 One of the most well-known techniques is Rajasthan's Marori work, which involves using metal to create etchings on the
base metal and filling the gaps with resin.

Maori Work of Rajasthan

Maori Work of Rajasthan

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Metal Crafts - Indian Handicrafts

Leather Products

The art of leather tanning has been documented since 3000 BCE.
Although tigers and deer were among the first animals whose skins were tanned, camels quickly became the most popular
animal for skinning.
It is said that in ancient times, the rishis, or wise men, who lived in the forest, used animal skins as mats.
Even though leather was used during the Mughal period, the degenerative nature of leather makes finding material evidence
difficult.
Currently, leather is primarily used in the manufacture of footwear, bags, and wallets.
Rajasthan has the largest leather market, where camel leather is used to make bags of various shapes and sizes.
Aside from these, Jaipur and Jodhpur are well-known for their Mojadis, which are specialised types of leather footwear.
Kanpur is another important city in Uttar Pradesh, with a thriving economy based on leather and tanned products.
Kolhapuri chappals are also popular in Maharashtra.
Apart from these, Chennai and Kolkata are important leather bag and footwear manufacturing centres.
Punjabi juttis are also well-known due to the use of an applique technique on the footwear, which makes them very
attractive.
Manoti Art, which involves decorating articles with camel skin, is another major technique of leather art practised in
Bikaner.

Leather Juttis

Leather Juttis
Wooden Work

India has a large forest cover, and one of the main products derived from these resources is wood.
Furniture is one of the most important products made from wood. We can find exquisitely carved woodwork furniture in
sheesham wood, pinewood, and other materials.
Kashmir, where this art form has flourished since the 13th century, is one of the most important centres for making wooden
furniture. They make extensive use of walnut and deodar wood.
Because of the cold and wet climate, Kashmiri artists are also skilled at creating wooden houses, houseboats, and other
structures.
Kashmiri lattice work, such as acche-dar, khatamband, and azlipinjra, is some of the most exquisite woodwork.

Kashmiri Lattice Work

Kashmiri Lattice Work

Gujarat is another major centre where wooden latticework is used on windows and wooden doors.
Furthermore, most hilly areas with access to abundant wood excel at carving techniques.
In Himachal Pradesh, for example, towns like Brahmour and Chatrahi excel at woodcarving techniques used in temples
such as the naghbel, kutheriphool, jali, and dori.
Other major woodworking centres include:

Major woodworking centres

Karnataka Sandalwood Making of various carved wood items

Raktachandan (Typical Red

Andhra Pradesh Carved dolls and figurines
Sandalwood)

Used to make Tharavad Houses that are famous for their deep brown
Kerala Teakwood
colour and intricate woodwork.

Local wood found in most parts of the North-eastern states and

Nagaland Kumisyng
noteworthy for huge log drums.

Rajasthan Rohilda Used to make decorative items like sindoor boxes and turned bowls.

Ratnagiri, Hale and Pangora Woods Lacquered imitation fruits

 Maharashtra

Toy Making

Toy manufacturing is both an art and a thriving business.

The first evidence for toy carts can be found in the Harappan civilisation and dates back to the early historic period.
Archeological sites from the Harappan period, such as Alamgirpur, Ambkheri, Kalibangan, and Lothal, have models from
which toy carts of copper, bronze, and terracotta can be made.
Early historic sites such as Atranjikhera, Nagarjunakonda, Sambhar, Sonapur, Ujjain, and Brahmpuri have similar cart
models.
Toys were made of various materials in the ancient and mediaeval periods, including clay, paper, papier-mâché, and painted
or lacquered wood.
Beautiful dolls were made of red wood, such as the Tirupati dolls popular in Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasthan is well-known for its colourful cloth dolls and stuffed animals.
Traditional Assamese dolls are made of pith or Indian cork.
Southern Indian states are known for their expertise in making toys out of various types of wood.
Because they are so exquisite, special toys made of lacquered wood are also substituted for crafts in Mysore and
Chennapatna.
Local soft wood known as ponki is used to make the Ambari Hathi, a popular toy in Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh.

Toy Cart of Harappan Period

Toy Cart of Harappan Period

Stoneware

Stone masonry and crafting is one of the most popular arts in the country.
To create exquisite monuments during the ancient period, artisans needed carving and sculpting skills.
South Indian towns have the best examples of stonework.
The artisans worked with a variety of stones to create their masterpieces, including soft-brittle sandstone, patchy red stone,
and hard granite.
The task was to create lifelike structures that resemble natural human postures.
The evidence of sculptures and architectural facades from Mauryan Period monuments can be seen.
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho, and the Buddhist carvings of Sanchi and
Bharhut are the best examples.
A good example in the hilly areas is the monolithic carving of the rock cut temple at Masrur in the Kangra district.
This trend shifted dramatically during the Mughal period, when stonework gave way to marble stonework.
They concentrated on Pietra Dura Work, which is inlay work with colourful stones on marble.
 They also erected numerous monuments out of sandstone. The Taj Mahal and Itmad-ud-tomb, Daulah's both made of white
marble, are among the most magnificent monuments.
Rajasthan, which produces the renowned 'Sang-e-Marmar' or white Makrana marble, is a major source of marble.
Another important location is Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which produces articles made of dark brown stone known as Sang-e
Rathak.

Rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora

Rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora

Embroidery Craft

Among the textile crafts, the art of working raised designs with threads or wooden blocks is unique.
This is known as embroidery, and it is done on cloth with needles and threads of gold, silver, silk, or cotton.
Embroidery arts such as Applique or Pipli work are practised in Odisha's Pipli village. It is a type of patchwork made of
embroidered colourful fabric sewn together to form a single piece. This technique is used to create beautiful lamps.
Another well-known technique is Phulkari, which literally means "making flowers."
Darning technique is used in this process to create colourful flower-like patterns on the cloth. It is manufactured in Punjab,
Haryana, and Delhi.

Applique Pattern

Applique Pattern

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Embroidery Crafts - Indian Handicrafts

Floor Designs

This diverse art form transcends regional boundaries and can be found in a variety of states. They are frequently made under
religious or family auspices.
In general, the designs are created freehand, beginning with a dot in the centre and expanding in concentric patterns of
geometrical shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, straight lines, and curves.
It is a natural way of drawing, starting in the centre and expanding with the repetition of a pattern.
The basic motif of the Chowkpurna designs of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Aipan designs of Himachal
Pradesh, is squares, circles, and triangles.
Mandana of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh means "mandan" (decoration). Patterns include squares, hexagons, triangles,
and circles.
 To make a mandana, the ground is cleaned with cowdung and several times finished with crimson red, which is made by
mixing reticulated iron with water (red earth).

Mandana of Rajasthan

Mandana of Rajasthan

In Gujarat, Santhias are made to decorate the entrance of houses on special occasions.

Santhias of Gujarat

Santhias of Gujarat

In Maharashtra, Rangoli employs elegant shapes and motifs such as lotus, swastik, and others.

Rangoli of Maharshtra

Rangoli of Maharshtra

South Indian Kolam designs are drawn to connect an array of dots that vary in number, combination, and form.
The thin lines are created on a wet ground with powdered rice or white crushed stone powder. Red geru is used to outline
kolam designs.
Hase is another name for it in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh, and Golam in Kerala.
 Kolam Design

Kolam Design

Cosmological bodies, particularly the Sun and Moon, are also depicted.
Mandapa Kolams are large floor designs created specifically for marriage ceremonies.
These kolams, made from wet rice paste, add sanctity to the marriage hall. Every morning, the space for worship in many
homes is sanctified with a Graha Kolam.
The Odisha Jhonti and West Bengal and Assam Aripana designs are highly stylized. Conch shells, fish motifs, serpents,
flowers, and other motifs are frequently used.
The designs are drawn with chalk powder on the floor and filled with coloured powder or rice paste coloured with alta
(sindoor) for red and turmeric for yellow. Each Aripana design is traditionally preceded by a flower.

Aripana Design

Aripana Design

Conclusion

Crafts are so tightly linked to the concepts of shape, pattern, design, and usage, all of which contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. Crafts become a part of a
country's cultural history when all of these elements are embedded in the culture of the people in a certain region or among specific communities. Handcrafted
goods are valuable not just for their aesthetic value, but also as ceremonial and religious objects made by traditional craftsmen and women, and most
importantly as a source of income.

Other Relevant Links

 Indian Art and Culture Indian Paintings

Modern Indian Architecture Indian Handicrafts

Indian Architecture Architecture in Medieval India

FAQs

Question: What are the major types of Indian handicrafts? ➕

Question: Which state is famous for Bandhani and Tie-Dye techniques? ➕

Question: What is Bidriware, and where is it practiced? ➕

Question: Which region in India is known for terracotta craft? ➕

Question: Why are Indian handicrafts significant? ➕

MCQs
1. Which region is famous for the production of Kalamkari fabric?
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu

Answer: (C) See the Explanation ➕

2. Which craft form is associated with the famous Bankura Horse?

A. Stone Craft
B. Terracotta
C. Metal Craft
D. Textile Craft

Answer: (B) See the Explanation ➕

3. What is the primary material used in Bidriware?

A. Bronze
B. Iron
C. Silver
D. Copper

Answer: (C) See the Explanation ➕

4. Which technique involves creating raised designs on textiles using needlework?

A. Phulkari
B. Bandhani
C. Kalamkari
D. Batik

Answer: (A) See the Explanation ➕

5. The craft of Pietra Dura is most commonly associated with which monument?
A. Qutub Minar
B. Ajanta Caves
C. Taj Mahal
D. Konark Sun Temple

Answer: (C) See the Explanation ➕

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the socio-economic significance of the handicraft sector in India.

Answer: The handicraft sector is a vital part of India’s rural economy, providing employment to millions, particularly women and marginalized communities. It
also helps preserve traditional skills and cultural heritage. Handicrafts contribute to India’s export revenue and tourism industry, making them economically
significant. However, the sector faces challenges such as competition from mechanized industries, lack of market access, and inadequate financial support for
artisans.

Q2: Analyze the role of Indian handicrafts in preserving cultural heritage.

Answer: Indian handicrafts are deeply intertwined with the country's cultural history. Crafts like textiles, pottery, and metalwork are expressions of regional
identity and are often tied to religious and social practices. Handicrafts, passed down through generations, preserve indigenous knowledge systems and
techniques, ensuring that India’s diverse cultural heritage remains alive. Government initiatives like GI (Geographical Indication) tags have further strengthened
this preservation.

Q3: Explain the challenges faced by Indian artisans in the contemporary market.

Answer: Indian artisans face numerous challenges, including competition from machine-made products, limited access to markets, lack of financial resources,
and inadequate infrastructure. The global market demands modern designs, but many artisans lack the knowledge or resources to adapt to these trends.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the handicraft sector, reducing demand and causing financial distress among rural artisans.

Previous Year Questions on Indian Handicrafts

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: Kalamkari painting refers to:

A. A hand-painted cotton textile in South India
B. A handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
C. A block-painted woolen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India
D. A hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

Answer: A

Explanation: Kalamkari is a traditional art form of hand-painted cotton textiles, primarily practiced in Andhra Pradesh using vegetable dyes.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2015 (GS Paper 1)

Question: The tradition of Indian handicrafts plays a significant role in India’s economic and cultural history. Explain with examples.

Answer: Indian handicrafts like textiles (Bandhani, Kalamkari), metalwork (Bidriware), and pottery (Terracotta) are integral to the country's economy and
cultural history. They reflect India’s diverse artistic traditions and provide livelihood opportunities to artisans in rural areas. The export of handicrafts also
contributes significantly to India's economy. However, globalization and competition from machine-made products have posed challenges to the survival of
these crafts.

Other Relevant Links

Indian Polity Notes Indian Economy Notes

 Art and Culture Notes Governance Notes

Ancient India History Notes Medieval India History Notes

Modern India History Notes Geography Notes

Science And Technology Notes Environment And Ecology Notes

Post Independence Notes Society Notes

Internal Security Notes Ethics Notes

Disaster Management Notes World History

International Relations Social Justice Notes

CSAT Notes Government Scheme Notes

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.