This large state on the southwestern Indian coast is a home to varying crafts. Crafts in Maharastra have received royal patronage in the past, which can be seen as a primary reason for the culture of crafts to flourish in the state. The various craft form includes, bidri ware, lacquer ware, toy making, weaving, printed textiles and the famous Kolhapuri chappals.

Bidriware mainly made in Aurangabad is an ancient craft of the region. As raw materials, zinc and copper are required. It usually involves adroitness and intricate workmanship of pure silver, etched, overlaid or inlaid on the metal surface. In the past bidri ware items were used as hookahs or paan daans but now these are used as mementos.

For lacquerware, hale and pangora wood is used and it is usually done in Savantvadi in Ratnagiri district. The traditional lacquer craftsmen were known as chittorees. In Savantvadi making toys and dolls is also an ancient craft, which is still in practice. Some of the wooden toys are lacquered and have a local essence, which distinguishes it from other toys. The toys are basically depicting human beings in standing or sitting postures. They also make wooden imitation fruits and vegetables.

Maharashtra is famous for the Kolhapuri chappals from Kolhapur. These are hand made leather chappals or sandals. The chappals are in huge demand not only inside the country but outside as well because they are simple in look and durable in quality.

Saree weaving is a craft, which has passed on from generation. The art of weaving Paiyhani saree is very old. The yarn used is pure silk and the zari or gold threads, which are drawn from pure gold. It takes nearly six months to weave a heavily brocaded Paithani sari. A traditional Maharastrian sari from around Sholapur, the Narayan Peth is another variety. It is beautifully woven in silk with a contrasting zari border, generally with ` rudraksha` motifs. Tussar Silk produced here is known by the Sanskrit name kosa. The other varieties of tussar silk are motha choukada, a design in big squares, lahan choukada, a design in small squares, gunja salai, diagonal designs on cloth along with coloured lines at regular intervals in green, blue or orange, teen dhari choukada, the three square pattern, and rasta choukada, square pattern with horizontal lines running through.