Since ancient times, bamboo crafts had been occupying a significant position as India produces a huge amount of bamboo and cane. The bamboo craft is associated with cane and bamboo, and had been a part of Indian crafts giving rise to the expression of tribal art and provided them livelihood. As India is blessed with deft artistry, these types of craft developed in this country very soon and with the changing of style and trend, the craft has developed its designs and deftly blended tradition with fashion.

The Indian artisans are dexterous in creating bamboo crafts and arrays of bamboo items are famous in Indian as well as in abroad. Basically the artisans create variations in their creations. The craftsmen create different items with the help of different bamboos and canes that are locally known as `sundi`, `barjali`, `harua`, `golla` etc are required for making furniture and baskets. It is observed that generally three species of cane are exploited in commercial quantities- Jati (Calamus tenuis), Tita (Calamus leptesadix) and Lejai (Calamus floribundus). Some less important qualities like Sundi (Calamus garuba) and Raidang (Calamus flagellum) are also extracted for creating superb designs.

Generally the products of bamboo are of two types, namely articles required for day to day use and of medium quality, that are more suited to local requirements; and another type is articles of finer quality, both decorative and functional, to meet the requirements and tastes of more sophisticated markets. Items like baskets, Chalani, Crossbows, Kula, Khorahi , Dukula or Tukuri, Dala , Duli or Tali , Doon or Kathi, Bamboo Mats etc. some of the Indian states are famous for creating beautiful bamboo items like mugs for rice beer, hukkas, musical instruments, floor mats, fishing devices and handles. In this respect, the name of Assam, Tripura and West Bengal can be mentioned. This traditional craft has received great success in making winnowing baskets, special Pitaras, oval boxes, oblong caskets, and flower baskets. Assam, a state with abundant raw materials, has a large variety of beautiful products like baskets, mugs for rice beer, hukkas, musical instruments, floor mats, fishing devices and handles.

Some of the well known bamboo and cane crafts are Baskets, Chalani, dolls, toys etc which are made in different sizes and fine designs. One the most interesting and colourful item of bamboo is leaf-headgear for tea garden workers and farmers. Umbrella handles made of bamboo are a speciality of the northeast. A number of designs like leaves, plants and creepers are etched on them. A variety of furniture items are made to suit the modern homes. Apart from all these, bamboo mats are extensively used for construction of temporary walls and sheds, big pandals, roofing of country boats, dwelling houses etc.

Like bamboo craft, cane is also a famous craft in India. Cane is used to make trays, baskets, and many utilitarian objects. The core central portion of the cane stick and the strips are used to create beautiful fancy articles. Walajapet in Vellore District is famous for cane articles. Moreover, stylish furniture is created by bamboos that are apt for fashionable houses.

Bamboo and cane crafts have been getting more admiration from all over India and the government is thinking to promote this type of ancient and tribal craft to capture the international market. The bamboo and cane crafts have been remaining the backbone of the rural economy of the country. The government is planning to promote these crafts by providing aids.