Textile Weaving

Textile weaving is one of the main crafts of Madhya Pradesh. Sarees in subtle shades are woven in ppilaces like Chanderi, a village near Gwalior and Maheshwar. These sarees include a wide variety of checks with traditional gold borders. Madhya Pradesh’s craftsmen are equally adept at producing tassar silk handloom fabrics.

Thousands of craftsmen practice hand printing, generally with vegetable dyes. Tarapur and Umedpura, two villages on the opposite banks of the river Gujari, use indigo for their prints. The printers specialise in printing fabrics with a blue background and yellow and red prints, known as nandra. Garments, bedspreads, tablecloths and curtain material are produced here. Jawad also has a similar style of printing. Mandsaur produces excellent bandhanis as well as resist prints imitating the bandhani patterns. Sarees with batik work based on the local mandana traditions of floor and wall decorations have been developed here. Tie and dye chunaries are the speciality of Tarapur and Mandsaur. Skilled craftsmanship is also on display in a variety of zari-embroidered articles.

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Types of clay crafts in India

Jhuker pottery a famous clay art in India has its roots deeply associated with Harappan civilization. The clay art which developed in the Harappa civilization gained quite a chic form during the Vedic era. According to the archaeological discovery in western Uttar Pradesh, the most acclaimed clay art in the late Vedic period was the "Red Ware". Another notable form of clay art of the Vedic period was "Painted Grey Ware" which comprises dishes, bowls which were used during the rituals and ceremonies for meal. Another form of clay art came into existence was Northern Black Polished Ware. Northern Black Polished Ware was a kind of pottery where a very glossy and lustrous kind of fabric was used. 

As the clay art developed, black pottery as another form of clay art became popular in India. The blackening involves the firing in a closed hearth and the smoke arises from the hearth colours the terracotta. The process of Black Pottery is more luxurious in Nizamabad (Uttar Pradesh). The process indulges the carving of the designs on the dry surface then they are fired and after firing the carvings are filled with paint made from a mixture of mercury and zinc. Some pots, when they are hot are painted with raw lacquer and a black, glossy, non- porous surface is produced. 

Clay art also involves the making of clay beads, "jbanvan" for cleaning the feet, "hookahs" and "chillums" for smoking tobacco. Even clay art in India associates the making of some of the architectural elements such as "Jali" (trellised screens) and tiles. Miniature toys, utensils, animals and human figures of various casts and occupation are available in bright colours and fabulous designs and are often used as an element of decoration. Varanasi and Krishnanagar in West Bengal are famous for producing umpteen amount and variety of miniature idols. Even the religious festivals demand the clay images of the deity which are hugely manufactured in Kumartully and Patuapara of Kolkata. 

Terracotta is an important form of pottery. In fact terracotta is the most common form of pottery in India. Various figures are made in terracotta. Terracotta figures serve as show pieces in many of the Indian households. In India clay images made as votive offerings for tribal shrines are sold at fairs organised by government departments, and end up as decorative pieces in city homes, shorn of their basic ritual association. 

Centres of Clay Crafts in India 

There are a wide variety of clay crafts in India. For instance the Bengali Surai or the common jug, the Kagzi or paper pottery of Alwar, the painted pottery of Bikaner, the colourful Khurja pottery of Uttar Pradesh, the variety of clay ware in Himachal Pradeshlike gidya, patri and narale, the beautiful pottery of Saurashtra, the earthen ware of Srinagar. The unique Karigari pottery of south Arcot also enriches the clay craft of India. Some other popular potteries of India are the Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Pokran Pottery and a lot more. In the present age Pottery has diversified into a number of branches. Clay figures of Lucknow represent characters of different races and tribes of Oudh. Wall brackets, vases, clock-cases, and other articles are manufactured out of clay. They are in a decadent style that is modelled after the Italian work which is found all over Lucknow. Clay figures painted and dressed up in muslins, silks and sequins are modelled at Kolkata, Lucknow and Pune. 

Modernization of clay art in India happened with the introduction of the Chinese and Persian porcelain art which was brought in India by the Mughals. The porcelain tableware came into demand. During the Sultanate period in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, India proceeded with its own manufactory of blue pottery. Ram Singh, an innovative ruler was the person who fetched the craft from Delhi to Jaipur and then onwards the craft preceded its growth and now proved to be the principle manufacturer. 

Clay Crafts of India

Clay Crafts of India is an ancient art form dating back to more than 1000 years. The remnants of clay pottery that is found in the sites of Indus Valley Civilisation points to the highly skilled potters who were present even in ancient India. Red Ware was the most popular clay craft in the late Vedic Age. According to myths and traditions clay art was originated by the Potter. Potter the synonym of Prajapati is also revered as Lord Brahma, the creator, created human beings from clay. According to mythology, when Lord Shiva came to marry Sati, the need of an earthen pot was required. So Lord Shiva took two beads from his necklace and gave birth to a male and female forms who are the first moulder of "Kumbha". So the potter is also known as kumhaar. Clay as a material is difficult to control at all stages and the potter has to be constantly diligent from beginning to end, in order to avoid damage or breakage. The culminating fire which will turn plastic clay into permanent terracotta is the most hazardous operation of all. 

Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts

Wood Carving 

Painting

Thangkas

Rugs & Carpets

Garments & Accessories

Embroidery

Shawls

Leather Craft

Jewellery

Metalwork

Stonework

Being rich in forests, wood is abundant in Himachal Pradesh and so woodcarving is still a living tradition of the state. Earlier this craft was mostly used in building temples and palaces. However, at present artisans creates intricate designs used in building houses, and also for making other things like low benches, spinning wheels, smoking pipe, cradles, low settees, boxes, serving spoon, rolling pins, wooden utensils, and much more. Moreover, other interesting things like fruit bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery, decorative boxes and carved images can also be found carved out of wood.

Like most other states in India, Himachal Pradesh is also rich in traditional paintings. You can see the miniature paintings in art galleries and museums in Himachal, but the true picture of the traditional paintings can be seen in most village houses. The women of the house paint their floors and walls. Moreover, they draw illustrative designs called yantras on the doorstep on ceremonial occasions. The floors are decorated with a white paste made of rice, whereas the walls are painted with colors, which they collect from daily used things such as turmeric powder, red clay, kumkum (a liquid used for make up) and so on.

Thangkas are brightly coloured cloth paintings, which are mostly used as ritual paintings exhibited during some Buddhist festivals. International tourists love these paintings. They generally depict lord Buddha and other deities as well as the wheel of life.

Rugs, Carpets are significant part of furnishing in Himachal Pradesh. Available in brilliant colors and traditional motifs these items look amazingly beautiful in appearance. 

Moreover, Blankets made with wool weaved out of sheep and goats are also available in plenty.

Garments & Accessories used by People of Himachal are very colorful. Their traditional attire is bedecked with delicate embroidery with circular and linear patterns. They are also fond of all sorts of accessories like colorful scarves, bangles, rings, hand knit woollen socks, gloves, mufflers, caps and grass shoes.

Women in Himachal like to pass their time in the afternoon by working on embroidery work with needle and thread. They make beautiful pieces of clothing like scarves, coverlets, handfans, caps, cholis (bodices), gaumukhi (prayer gloves) and so on. The richly embroidered colorful silk rumals (scarves) of Chamba have traditionally been made since the last 1000 years. Himachali women use these small shawls as head coverings.

Like Kashmir, Himachal also produces fine and precious Shawls, which are in high demand by tourists from all over the world. These shawls are weaved in the cottage industries of Himachal and are available in plain and patterned.

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Leather craft is another significant craft of the state. The traditional chappals (slippers) of Chamba are not only beautiful but very comfortable as well. They are embroidered with colorful threads and at times with Zari (golden thread). You will also find a range of shoes, sandals, socks and belts.

Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh consists of beads and metals, which are worn by the local people with their traditional attire. These include pendants, necklaces, rings and so on

The metals used in metalwork or metal carving are brass, copper, iron, tin and bell metal. These are used to make exquisite statuettes, lamps, incense burners, low settees of silver or brass, vessels and musical instruments mostly used in temples. Moreover, some objects are also made for daily use at home.

Stone carving is another such craft, which was mostly used for temples in the early days. You can see splendid samples of the stone carving in various temples in Himachal.

Punjabi Paranda

Paranda is one of the traditional handicrafts of Punjab. It is a colorful hanging worn by the Punjabi women in their hair. Most of the Punjabi women have long hair, which they plait and then tie a paranda at the end. Parandis are available with a great variety in designs and colors. They are made out of a bunch of silk threads, intricately woven with other skillful works. #india #punjab #handicrafts 

Toy Making (Jharkhand)

Jharkhand originally a tribal state is known for its wood work, bamboo works, pitkar paintings, tribal ornaments and stone carving. The beautifully carved wood products and bamboo products show the craftsmanship of the people. Lack of promotion and marketing for these products has mostly resulted in extinction of some crafts like paitkar paintings and stone carvings.

Toy Making

In the hilly regions of Jharkhand and around its capital city Ranchi, there dwell families who, for generations have reveled in toy making. Their wooden cut outs, glossed with an eye-catching canary paint depict the nature around. Of course the sizes are miniaturized for they are really playthings for children that have wheels for mobility or detachable limbs that allow free acrobatics manipulated by the pulling of string. These agile puppets are usually made from palm leaf slivers painted with pink dots and finger paintings, giving the right accents to a day of fun and frolic.

The love of the people of Jharkhand for the grand weddings and their accompanying fanfare is reflected in the toys also. The toy traders recreate the wedding of Lord Rama or the elephant god Ganesha in the toys. The lord as a groom is draped in a canary yellow lower garment or dhoti, the typical wedding finery for a bridegroom. The tinges of gold on the garment and the veiled face of the toy bride complete the ambience. Of the scenes of nature nothing pleases these craftsmen more than the sight of a flock of brilliant parakeets in paddy green feathers. The contrasting red of the beak is a bonus that few can overlook. But the bird is not a boring depiction of its realistic form. Only the colors of the bird are copied and then re-designed in folk art forms of well- defined lines and frozen posture forms.

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Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a state renowned for its rich metal crafts and other traditional craft products made out of bamboo, wood etc. The folk paintings of Chhatisgarh depict the living expressions of the people, intrinsically linked with the socio-cultural ambiance of the area. They are not mere decorations but also spontaneous outpourings of religious devotions. The main craft produce of the State include Bamboo work, Wood carving, folk painting and folk Jewelry.

Bamboo Work

Bamboo thickets are common sight in the State and tribals of Chhattisgarh have been putting their craftmanship to work. Craftsmanship of Chhattisgarh tribals can be seen from varying articles of craft produce they make out of bamboo. Articles for daily as well as decorative use are produced by these artisans. Some of the will known Bamboo produce include agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools and baskets.

Wood Carving

The woodcarving art has been flourishing in Chhattisgarh from time immemorial and one can find beautifully carved wooden products designed by the craftsman of the State. The skillful craftsmen of the State carve beautiful wooden ceilings, doors, lintels etc using different kinds of wood like shisham, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar. The craftsmen also make pipes, masks, doors, window frames and sculptures.

Painting

Traditional wall paintings of the State is associated with rituals. Floors and walls are painted with colours and in almost every instance the depiction being associated with some ritual. Pithora paintings is a common traditional art form. These paintings originated in the tribal area of the Central India which is presently Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and depicts the offering to gods. These paintings are usually done on the occasion of marriages, childbirth and other occasions of fulfillment of wish etc.

Most of these paintings has a horse as it was considered auspicious to sacrifice a horse. In most of these tribal houses one can find pithora paintings. They are colorful and use natural colors.

Ornaments

Jewelry from Chhattisgarh is available in a variety of gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal. Ornament made out of beads, cowries and feathers are part of tribal costumes. Tribal men and women wear traditional ornaments.

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Stonecraft

Stonecraft is a popular craft in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This is the art in which craftsmen creates fine work on stone to give it various shapes of windows, garden furniture, decorative pieces and so on.

Bandhani

In Kachchh, tie and dye craft is known as “Bandhani.” Bandhani dates back to the Bandhani 12th century, and came to Kachchh when members of the Khatri community migrated from Sindh. Bandhani tie and dye became a staple local source of income with the export of bandhani bandannas to Europe via the English East India Company in the 18th century. Much like the local block printers, bandhani artisans used local, natural resources like madder and pomegranate to dye their cloth in a brilliant range of hues. The technique of tightly winding a thread around a section of cloth, dyeing it, and then removing the thread to reveal a circular resist motif has remained the same since bandhani was first practiced.

Bandhani has long been culturally important to Kachchhi communities.The most revered type of bandhani is the gharcholu, which is the traditional wedding odhani of Gujarati Hindu and Jain brides. The chandrokhani is worn by Muslim brides.

Modern Artistry

Today, the Khatri community is the main producer of Bandhani in Gujarat, maintaining a mastery of the craft that has lasted for generations. Khatris in Kachchh are usually Hindu or Muslim. The demand for intricate designs featuring Bandhani is high, and the newest patterns can feature as many as one lakh ties (dots). Bandhani is used for daily attire and for auspicious occasions, like births, weddings, and goddess temple pilgrimage.

Khatris are making new versions of Bandhani to fit the demands of modern and more international clientele. They experiment with the size, shape, and placement of each dot on the cloth to offer a whole new range of products. Their patterns reflect an artistic sentiment to explore and play, creating new motifs with an innovative spirit.

Sustaining Tie and Dye

Seeing the need to control the use of chemical dyes in Kachchh so that lasting ecological damage was not done to the environment, water, and people of local communities, Khamir began initiatives to popularize and teach the value of natural dyes, making natural dyestuffs more accessible to modern artisans. Khamir has conducted workshops and trainings with Bandhani artisans in order to expose them to more sustainable practices.‪#‎bandhani‬ ‪#‎kachchh‬ ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎art‬ ‪#‎craft‬