Exploring the traditional handicrafts of India

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the magnificent land, we proudly call INDIA. Today, I take you on the tour to the awesome handicrafts India has to offer.India has always been a land of many enchantments and varied gifts. She has awed and dazzled every person that has ever visited this land. A trip to INDIA is never boring and especially if we talk Handicrafts, nobody is going to move I’m sure.

So, without further delay let’s just board the train, and take a trip to downtown handicraft alley.

Meenakari

It is an art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of the metals by using colors that are decorated in intricate design. This form of art has been invented by the Iranian craftsmen and it has been spread all over India by Mongolians. Gold is used for Meenakari jewellery as it lasts longer and later silver was introduced for artifacts like boxes, spoons and art pieces while copper is used for handicraft products after the God Control Act. Meenakari is practiced in many centers in India and each region has its own technique and style, but mostly practiced in Jaipur and Delhi.

Shell Craft

It is an art of making decorative objects or of decorating surfaces using seashells. This craft is made of three kinds of shells conch shell, tortoise shell and sea shell. Bangles, forks, decorative bowls, lockets, spoons, buttons, curtains, chandeliers, mirror frames, table mats, etc. are the products of shell crafting. The shell craft is found on the sea shore like Gulf of Mannar, Goa, Odisha and etc. Shell’s are nature’s best decorative gift. Shell crafts shows nature’s exquisite beauty with most elegant fashion. Shell craft is considered to be very auspicious.

Terracotta

It is most oldest and widespread form of handicrafts. Historical records say that they have found remains of pottery and which is believed to be existed in 7000 BC in the Neolithic period. Apart from the popular terracotta and fired clay products, the other products are fired at over 1150 degree C. The very popular translucent form known as porcelain. The raw material for this craft is ordinary clay, derived from lakes, ponds and rivers. The clay is cleaned, mixed with ten shaped either by hand, wheel or moulded into desired object. Then they are dried, fired and glazed as per requirements.

Zardozi

It is a type of embroidery work, which is done in Iran, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal work done on the clothing’s of Kings and royals of India. It was also used in royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and also the paraphernalia of royal elephants and horses. This art involves making elaborate design using gold and silver threads. Later studded stones and precious stones were introduced. Craftsmen today use the combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish and silk like thread. Zardozi art is been existence in India from the time of Rig Veda. This art is found to be done in popular cities of India like Lucknow, Farrukhabad, Chennai and Bhopal.

Jute

Jute craftsmen have created a worldwide popularity in the field of jute handicrafts. Jute in India is known as the “Golden Fibre” one of the most common raw materials used for packaging and making exquisite craft products. Jute is very Eco friendly and cheapest known natural fibre which has removed plastic from this generation. There are different types of products designed from jute are like chappals, handbags, briefcase, lamp shades, flower base to jewellery and many more. West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are the leading producers of Jute in the Indian market.

Wood Handicraft

Wood craft is the oldest form of handicraft in India before the time of stone sculpture came into existence. Wood has been an important material for construction furniture and decorative items like Axes, toys, utensils, decorative pieces, jewellery and many more designer household goods like lamp shades, candle stands, vermillion boxes, jewellery boxes, bangle holders etc. are some of the common wood crafts used in almost every Indian house. Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh are known for their unique form of woodwork. Even Rajasthan is noted for its carved sandalwood and rosewood besides silhouetting the industrial horizon with heavy ornamental furniture.

India has been the land of many wonders. She has wowed people through centuries with her many gifts and talents. Handicrafts have always been on the topmost list of Indian Talents. Indians have forever wooed her tourists with the gifts of their many talents.In case, you are a person on the verge of visiting India here are a list of Indian Handicrafts, you should look out for.