Bamboo and cane products of Southern India are very common due to the abundant growth of bamboo plants in this portion of India. The South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala possess expert artisans who are capable of crafting various kinds of cane and bamboo products. Mostly these items are meant for regular utility in households, though several such items are also used for home d‚cor. The popularity of the bamboo and cane crafts of this region is immense and has found favour even amongst innumerable tourists who visit Southern India.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Andhra Pradesh
The districts of Khammam, West Godavari, Kurnool, Mahabubanagar, East Godavari, Vishakhapatnam and Adilabad are the major centres of production of bamboo and cane crafts in Andhra Pradesh. Prakasham, Srikakulam, Chittoor and Warangal boast of vast stretches of forests which comprise rich growth of bamboo plantations. Different types of bamboo and cane handicrafts are made in this state.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Karnataka
Coasters, wall hangings, mats, lamp shades and baskets are some of the several bamboo items manufactured in Karnataka. Artisans carefully select the best quality of bamboo plants to create the artefacts. Plaited and coiled designs are adopted by the bamboo craftsmen while making the baskets. Today, the markets of Karnataka are flooded with bamboo products which have encouraged the local artisans to take up bamboo crafting as lucrative job opportunities.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Tamil Nadu
Baskets, bowls, furniture, mats, ropes, shopping bags, toys and dolls and trays are among the many exclusive cane and bamboo crafts of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Salem, Coimbatore, South Arcot and Dharampuri are the various districts of this Indian state which specialise in the production of such items. Utilitarian products, as well as cane and bamboo crafts of household d‚cor are crafted here. Bamboo slats are used as window screens, which are locally termed as `chiks`. Other items are fodder containers, fish baskets, trinket boxes, `modhas` or stools.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Kerala
Various types of baskets, mats, bowls, teapots, tiffin boxes, chairs and bamboo shades are the many forms of bamboo crafts that are existent in Kerala. All these products are hand-made.
Irinjalakuda in Kerala is well-known for its beautifully painted bamboo mats. The mat paintings are the depiction of attractive and beautiful scenes, birds, animals, human as well as religious figures that carry the tradition of the state as well as India. The paintings are done in diverse dimensions and eye-catching colours with a streak of finishing touch by way of beautiful bamboo reed frames both at the top and the bottom. These are extensively used as decorative items that suit any stylish interior.
The bamboo and cane crafts of Southern India are gaining foreground in the local market through various exhibitions and Indian trade scheme. The government is planning to promote this craft which has a bright future by providing aids and encouraging the artisans to occupy the local as well as the other markets of the country.
