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India has always been appreciated in the international market for its arts and crafts. The growth of Indian arts began in the heart of rural India where the authentic regional culture and tradition come alive through art. If you haven’t explored the hubs of Indian crafts yet, it’s time to do so. This time, book a visit to the handicraft villages of India during the holidays and explore the hidden gems, and results of soulful craftsmanship of local artisans. The top 7 art & craft villages in India are Sarthebari, Moradabad, Anegundi, Khavda, Andreta, Shilpgram, and Raghurajpur near Puri.
1. Sarthebari: Weaving Wonders in Assam
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Assam, Sarthebari is a haven for people in love with Assamese handicrafts. Known for its brass and bell metal products, Sarthebari is backed by the Government of Assam. From intricately designed utensils to lovely sculptures, the artisans of Sarthebari continue to keep the flame of Assamese craftsmanship alive.
As you step into the craft village, the sound of metal hammering to give them a form of art is heard. History says it all began when the king of Kamarupa Kumar Bhaskar Barma showed his respect to King Harshabardhan of Kanauj of Uttar Pradesh by presenting bell metal-made articles in the seventh century A.D. With each hammer coming down on the piece of metal, the artisans breathe life into every piece they create.
The bell metal products that the craftsmen produce are utensils, technical tools & equipment, musical instruments, religious tools, and utility items. Bell metal items have always been adored in Indian homes for their medicinal properties. It’s believed that eating or drinking on these plates or glasses keeps intestinal problems under control.
2. Moradabad: The Brass Capital of India
Moradabad, a city steeped in history, takes pride in being the Brass Capital of India. Its brassware is so popular that countries like Germany, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, the UK and the USA import brass articles from the village. It’s easy to know that you are in the craft village as soon as you hear the clinking sounds of hammers and chisels shaping raw brass into timeless pieces of art. From home decor to religious items and jewellery, Moradabad's artisans infuse passion and skill into every creation.
Bloomed by the Britishers, the brass work capital was established in the early 19th century and eventually reached the overseas market. Worth a whopping Rs 8,000-9,000 crore, the brass industry of Moradabad is only growing with time.
3. Anegundi: Where Heritage Meets Canvas
Anegundi, a quaint village on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is a hidden gem for art enthusiasts. This craft village proudly shows off the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka where men are saving marine life from an aggressive weed, water hyacinth and women are making baskets from the dried weed. But that’s not it! The village comes alive with a banana fibre industry where artisans prepare mats, bags and baskets. The odour-free, biodegradable, fire-resistant, grease-proof banana fibre-made products stand the test of time with ease. Using the locally available raw materials, the people residing here have established an artisan village that tourists cannot miss. The beauty of the spot and the tales of how the daily struggles of locals have taken the form of art have been passed down through generations.
4. Khavda: Potters' Paradise in Kutch
In the arid grounds of Kutch, Khavda stands as a handicraft village that welcomes thousands of tourists or craft enthusiasts every year. It’s the birth land of Khavda pottery that is known for its delicate, complex designs and prettiest colours. More than mere artistic expression, the village is a paradise for those in love with handcrafted earthenware. From terracotta pots to figurines, jugs, diya, vases and bowls, every creation in Khavda tells a story of craftsmanship shaped by the region's harsh yet inspiring landscape.
The growing popularity of Khavda village craft has made it spread across the nation, even the world. Using the age-old pottery techniques, the artists create crafts in this handicraft village.
As the men give the pottery pieces their shapes and the women paint them, their united efforts breathe life into the art form. Buyers can use the earthen pots as water containers, religious items, kitchen utensils and decorative items.
5. Andreta: The Abode of Artists
A small village in the foothills of the Himalayas, Andreta is more than just a village—it's a place where artists find inspiration to create art and crafts. This handicraft village welcomes with open arms those seeking a retreat into the whimsical world of fine arts. From pottery and painting to sculpture, Andreta fosters an environment where creativity flourishes. Artists like Madam Norah Richards, Mansimran Singh, B. C. Sanyal and Sardar Sobha Singh made Andeta their home and wandered into the lanes of this beautiful craft village to make this small place a part of history books.
6. Shilpgram: Rajasthan's Craft Extravaganza
Step into the colourful world of Shilpgram, where art and craft fairs bond craft lovers all over the globe every year. This rural complex near Udaipur showcases the diverse crafts of the region. Shilpgram comes alive during its annual craft fair, where artisans from different parts of India come together to display their masterpieces. The crafts come in the form of traditional textiles like leather and cotton, pottery, woodwork, metal work, terracotta, and folk performances that echo the spirit of rural India.
The fairgrounds remain open from 11 am to 7 pm on Monday to Saturday. You must pay a visit to this art and craft village during your trip to Rajasthan.
7. Raghurajpur Near Puri: Odisha's Living Art Village
A stone's throw from the sun-kissed beaches of Puri lies Raghurajpur, a living art village in Odisha. This craft village is a breeding ground where traditional Pattachitra art comes to life. Stroll through its narrow lanes to take a sneak peek at murals and witness the thorough work that goes into creating these intricate art pieces. One of the most colourful arts in this entire list, Raghurajpur craft began around the 12th century and continues generation after generation. In 2000, the village earned recognition as one of India’s most prominent handicraft villages where Pattachitra painters reside and bring alive arts that you cannot take your eyes off of.
The handicraft villages of India are not just living fossils of traditional art but living entities that are still going strong even after being centuries old. Each stroke of the painter’s brush, every twist of the potter's wheel, and each clang of metal in these villages tell stories of history, creativity, living life in the lap of nature, and the unwavering spirit of the artisans. As we explore these seven handicraft villages in India, it’s time for you to book a ticket to these wonders and experience the joy that lies in the soul of rural India.
If you are so mesmerised by the village crafts mentioned here that you cannot keep your hands away from Indian craft pieces, buy the same crafts of India from iTokri. We source all our artistic items from local artisans all over India. So you only receive authentic, pure craft articles directly from artisan villages. Browse through our online collection!
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