The deeply entrenched tradition of Indian craft echoes the true colour of India whilst impressing generation after generation amidst their varied forms and styles. For people around the world, India is synonymous to exotic arts and handicraft traditions. A wide range of traditional Indian handicraft reflects the richness of Indian ethnic art and culture. The designs and finishes represent the excellent artistic skills of the craftsmen. Traditional Indian art is inspired by a variety of functions, which can be meaningfully understood only through a comprehensive study of the social, cultural and religious contexts of Indian arts and handicrafts.
The history of Indian crafts comes from one of the established civilizations of the globe while going back to almost 5000 years from present. The primal references of Indian crafts were found in the remnants of Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.). Beginning its journey in the age old days, the craft tradition in India has witnessed enough alteration. Prehistorically Indian handicrafts were basically made for day after day use, the yearning for aesthetic application soon saw development of flooding designs and motifs. The incalculable artistic and ethnic assortment has enabled a fusion of motifs, techniques and crafts to increase on this land. The tradition of Indian craft has whirled around religious values, confined needs of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the clientele and royalty, along with an eye for overseas and home trade.
Each state of India has its own tradition and legacy of handicrafts. Whether the fragile beauty of the Phulkari art of the North India or the dizzying artistry of the silver filigree work, famous in the eastern India, whether the colossal impact of the stone craft of South India or the artistry of the bidriware of the western India- all demonstrates the elegance and brilliance of Indian craft. From pottery, metal craft, woodcraft, stone works, gems and jewelry, textiles, leatherwork to mesmerizing paintings and awe- inspiring sculptures and statues - India has perfected almost all the arts and handicrafts known to humanity.
The types of Indian crafts are varied each standing as the logo of the rich Indian heritage. It is amidst the myriad tradition of Indian craft, the varied traits and the true character of India can be ideated. Be it the sheer brilliance of the brocades of Varanasi or the warmth of the Kullu shawls of Himachal ; be it the elegance of the namdhas of Kashmir or the artistry of the meenakari and kundan works, the charm and originality of each Indian craft reverberates the heritage of India, unswayed by time.
Indian craft amidst their elegance, brilliance and originality thus symbolizes the very essence of Indianness whilst reflecting its rich heritage in its past and present.
The following are the major crafts produced in India and popular not only in India but also all over the world.
