India is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage that spans thousands of years. The Indian culture is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, with a mix of different religions, languages, and traditions. India also ranks among the top-rated culturally wealthy nations in the world in terms of art and culture.
The grandeur of Indian handicrafts speaks volumes about India’s rich culture and is evident in the work of skilled craftsmen. Indian handicrafts are renowned around the world for their distinctive, detailed, and expressive beauty. Let’s check out the
Famous Indian Handicrafts from Different States
- Famous Handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore some well-known artwork and traditional crafts of India. The Budhiti brass showpieces created by regional artists from Budhiti village have a distinctive appearance and texture. The state is highly known for Banjara needlework in addition to Budithi brassware. These handcrafted showpieces and needlework items are not only excellent keepsakes but also reflect the local community's talented craftspeople. Here, you may find a variety of handicrafts, including Banjara needlework, Kalamkari paintings, and Kondapalli toys.
The state is well known for its silk and cotton sarees. They are known for their rich pallus and designs. Famous sarees of Andhra Pradesh are Venkatgiri, Srikakulam, Kuppadam, Pochampalli, etc. Each of these crafts of India is well-liked overseas as well.
- Famous Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh
You must look out for some authentic and beautiful wood and bamboo artefacts from this region if you are considering travelling to the northeastern states of India. Arunachal Pradesh has an abundance of timber and bamboo thanks to its extensive evergreen and deciduous forests. With the raw materials at hand, the talented craftspeople here create exquisite crafts of India such as wooden baskets, bags, dishes, masks, ornaments, and other items. Tourists also have a strong preference for local clothing items including skirts, blouses, and shawls.
(image credit:- India travel forum)
- Famous Handicrafts of Assam
Gandhiji when once visited the silk village in Suwakulchi, Assam, he remarked that Assamese women create dreams on their looms. Assamese sarees made from Muga silk are extremely popular in Assam. These exquisitely woven, hand-decorated sarees are a must-have for any saree lover's wardrobe. They are decorated with silver and gold zari. Another famous saree from Assam is Mekhela Chadar. When worn properly, the Mekhela Chadar, the traditional attire of Manipuri ladies, looks pretty attractive. In addition to being excellent weavers, Assamese people are also skilled in other traditional crafts of India including basketry, mat making, and bamboo crafts.
- Famous Handicrafts of Bihar
Kalam and Madhubani paintings two of the most celebrated crafts of India hail from the state of Bihar. The distinctive Kalamkari paintings are made directly with brush and ink, , without drawing an outline with a pencil, earning the name Kalamkari. Conversely, Madhubani paintings are created using tools like matchsticks, twigs, fingers, brushes, and other similar materials. The artists draw these paintings using natural paints and dyes.
Another famous handicraft from the region is Sikki grass crafts. Sikki is a unique variety of grass that grows in large quantities in Bihar. Sikki grass crafts are made using an age-old technique. In Bihar, it is employed in the production of dolls, baskets, boxes, wall paintings, jewellery, and toys. On the day of their wedding, parents offer their daughters boxes made of Sikki to keep their jewellery and sindoor.
Almost 800 years ago, the Tikuli art form originated in Patna. The art is about paintings with exquisite designs that are produced on the city's neighbourhood streets. With its booming sales, the Tikuli art form was able to persuade merchants from all across the nation to come to Patna and purchase Tikuli art in large quantities. The Mughals actively supported the art form and valued all of its key elements.
- Famous Handicrafts of Chhattisgarh
Since the state is home to several tribal cultures, you can find a variety of pottery and sculptures that depict the distinctive characteristics of various tribes with a realistic and striking appearance.
The Indus valley civilization's prehistoric Dhokra craft is one of the earliest known processes for casting metal. Dhokra crafts from Chattisgarh are in high demand all over the world and are distinguished by their simplicity and folk motifs. Dhokra art is made from a non-ferrous metal casting done with lost wax. The exquisite metal figures of people, animals, birds as well as Hindu deities, made through Dhokra art are praised for their alluring beauty and are counted among the most beautiful Indian handicrafts.
- Famous Handicrafts of Goa
In this paradise of golden beaches and turquoise oceans, artwork made from coconut shells is a speciality. There are several items you can choose from, such as coconut shell bottles, lampshades, necklaces, and hair clips. Not only that, but the state is also highly known for breezy dresses, floral shirts, beer mugs, ashtrays, cashew feni wine, silver jewellery, and other accessories. Thus, be sure to purchase some of these traditional crafts of India for both yourself and as gifts when you go shopping in Goa.
- Famous Handicrafts of Gujarat
Gujarati handicrafts are well known for their intricate mirror work and vibrant motifs that give them a quirky and tribal vibe. One can find a variety of handcrafted clothing styles here. Brocade, which involves weaving gold thread into the fabric's borders, is one of the main art forms in Gujarat. There are also stylized parrots, floral borders, tree motifs, mango motifs, and other traditional patterns. The tie-and-dye traditional craft of India known as bandhani is another popular trend in Gujarat. India's fashionable Bandhej cloth is made of tie-dyed material.
Other handicrafts that have gained popularity nationwide are Ajrakh print, Rogan, metal work, copper bell, leather work, etc.
- Famous Handicrafts of Haryana
Wood carvings and other wooden items made in Haryana are well-known countrywide. You will be spoiled for choice with the options offered here, which range from trendy wooden frames and toys to furniture and artefacts. Moreover, the state is well known for its cricket bats, which are sold all over the world and are a must-buy for every cricket fan.
The Sarkanda craft from Haryana has gained wide recognition in the past few years. Sarkanda is a plant that grows in Haryana. This golden white plant in colour dries up during winter and is then gathered to make a range of Indian handicrafts. Changeri is one of the various items produced by hand from Sarkanda grass. It is a conventional shallow basket that is formed by coiling and frequently contains lead. The tribal women also prepare a roti/bread basket called a Boiya in addition to Changeri. The Sarkanda grass is also used to make hand fans and indhis, which are bases for carrying water pots on the head.
(image credit:- local guides connect)
- Famous Handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh
Perched in the lap of mother nature, the state has much more to offer in addition to breathtaking mountains and scenic beauty. Crafts of India that have got recognition from the state are stone carving, Himachali caps, chunky beads and metal and silver jewellery, handwoven carpet, metal crafts, miniature paintings, wool fabrics, Chamba rumal and shawls. Everything about this state, from the ideal weather to the traditional handicrafts, is just too good. You can find anything you need. Make sure your backpack has additional room the next time you travel to Himachal Pradesh so you can bring these products.
(image credit:- loom himalaya)
- Famous Handicrafts of Jharkhand
The Santhal tribe of Jharkhand practises the art of Jadupatua painting, one of the most skilled crafts of India. The Jadupatuas are painted on scrolls with scenes from Lord Krishna's life, the Santhal tradition's version of the creation tale, their dance and music, and occasionally representations of death and life after death.
Sohrai Paintings of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh Women are famous for their intricate details on the state’s rich flora and fauna. The universe of Sohrai's painting is filled with birds, peacocks, deer, fish, and snakes, all of which are greatly influenced by forest life. The preferred colours are yellow, rust, and black, and like other tribal arts, these colours come from natural sources. This painting technique has a deep understanding of both animal and plant behaviour.
- Famous Handicrafts of Karnataka
If you don't buy sandalwood goods and Mysore silk sarees as gifts or souvenirs from Karnataka, your trip to Karnataka would be considered incomplete. An amazing selection of sandalwood materials, including soaps and sculptures, is produced in the Mysore district of Karnataka. Moreover, the city is renowned for its stunning and vibrant silk sarees, Khun weaving, Chanapattana toys, kasuti embroidery, Dharwad weaving and Mysore painting. You can pick up some organic spices, and handmade chocolates while you're in Coorg, Karnataka.
- Famous Handicrafts of Kerala
The state is renowned for a wide variety of Indian handicrafts, ayurvedic oils, coir goods and organic spices. You can relax and unwind with the oils or spa items, and the spices you can find here are some of the greatest. In addition to these, this state is well known for its Kathakali masks. These striking papier-mache masks are embellished with feathers, sequins, and other materials as well as gold and silver trim. For individuals who enjoy collecting traditional crafts of India, these vibrant, lifelike masks make for the ideal keepsakes.
(image credit:- Istock)
- Famous Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh
The state is well known for its diverse arts and crafts. Madhya Pradesh's fine handicrafts are a window into its rich cultural past. Among the artworks are bamboo and cane furnishings, carpet weaving, durries, folk paintings, iron and jute crafts, metal ornaments, papier mache, stone carving, stuffed animals, terracotta, textile weaving, and zari needlework.
Also, the temples and monuments in Madhya Pradesh showcase beautiful stone carvings. In addition to lush forests, abundant wildlife, forts, and monuments, Gwalior is known for its stunning crafts of India Jalli works (patterns), and Jabalpur and Tikamgarh are well known for their statues of human and animal structures.
Other handicrafts famous from Madhya Pradesh are Chanderi, bagh block print, Gond art and Maheshwari saree.
- Famous Handicrafts of Maharashtra
Among the well-known Maharashtrian handicrafts are the Kolhapuri chappal, Paithani saree, Warli paintings, Banjara needlework, seashell crafts, Dhurrie weaving, Bidri ceramics, and metal embossing. The tribal people of India's north Sahyadri area invented the Warli painting style of tribal art, which clearly expresses the beauty of Indian handicrafts. Warli artisans express their creative inclinations on the canvases of their clay houses.
A pair of Kolhapuri chappals made of leather can take up to six weeks to make and are renowned for their durability.
- Famous Handicrafts of Manipur
There are many different souvenir selections, ranging from Moirangfee to bamboo artefacts that mark their special place in the Indian handicrafts list. Alternatively, you can purchase Manipuri Weaving Bedcovers, boxes, baskets, bags, and other objects made of bamboo or cane. Moreover, tourists like purchasing Manipur's distinctive black stone pottery, which includes teapots, pans, cups, and other utensils.
- Famous Handicrafts of Meghalaya
Meghalaya is renowned for weaving silk and making carpets. Baskets, furniture, headwear, storage items, musical instruments, containers, and tribal equipment are among the things produced by bamboo and cane. Garos perform pokerwork, in which patterns are burnt into the bamboo with the aid of a red-hot pointed tool.
Meghalayan women artisans are exceptionally proficient in weaving stunning patterns on clothing. These women weave wrappers and shawls, waistcoats and bodices, girdles, scarves, skirts, and aprons among other items for their particular costumes and clothing.
- Famous Handicrafts of Mizoram
The state is home to exquisite weaving. The art of weaving comes naturally to Mizo women. They are adept at transforming basic raw materials into exquisite designs and patterns, which allows them to create lovely fabrics. Just like other Northeastern states, famous crafts of India from Mizoram are also made from bamboo and cane.
(image credit:- camel craft)
- Famous Handicrafts of Nagaland
You must purchase the classy Angami Naga shawls whenever you make travel plans to Nagaland. These shawls are incredibly warm and cosy and come in a variety of vibrant colours and designs. Abaca, grass, water lilies, and other locally accessible raw materials are used to make the state's famous wooden handicrafts and organic goods. Popular choices include footwear, wall decor, luggage, and purses. Tourists especially adore the multi-strand, vibrant, and striking Naga jewellery.
- Famous Handicrafts of Odisha
Find Pattachitra paintings in Odisha if you enjoy old paintings. These exquisite handicrafts of India serve as wonderful gifts and keepsakes while showcasing India's rich past and culture. Curious what distinguishes Pattachitra paintings from other art? These paintings are made on a canvas made of cloth, then they are wrapped up like scrolls. The textile canvas is used to depict well-known tales from Hindu mythology.
One of the best traditional handcrafted sarees that is famous in the state is the Sambalpuri Ikat saree.
- Famous Handicrafts of Punjab
Phulkari embroidery is known as "flower work" in the Punjab and Haryana regions. The phrase was once used to describe embroidery, which was later limited to embroidered shawls and headscarves. Phulkari is a type of needlework that uses both horizontal and vertical stitches to create intricate motifs. The entire piece is stitched with yellow or white silk thread on cotton khaddar. The colours in this embroidery are vibrant and beautiful.
- Famous Handicrafts of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is no less than heaven for shoppers, and you may bring home so many fascinating and colourful items as souvenirs. There are so many interesting things to pick from, such as Meenakari jewellery, Jaipuri quilts, blue ceramics, and vivid jootis. Jaipuri quilts in stunning paisley patterns and colours are a must-have because they provide unsurpassed warmth and comfort. The vibrant and striking blue pottery that is offered here is also very well-liked by those who enjoy home décor. Alternatively, you can choose a few pieces of elaborate Meenakari and Jadau jewellery, camel showpieces, colourful puppets, and marble goods—the choices are virtually limitless.
- Famous Handicrafts of Sikkim
Sikkim is proud of its extensive collection of traditional crafts of India. A mashup of various cultures, this state is rich in handcrafted artwork. The finest examples of Sikkim's traditional handicrafts are carpets, woodcarvings, thangka paintings, Choktse tables, etc.
Traditional foldable tables known as Choktse are built from the wood of the train known as Kath and come in a variety of designs.
The Sikkim style of carpet weaving is one of the oldest carpet weaving methods in existence.
A frame loom is used to weave the carpets. Buddhism has a strong influence on carpet weaving techniques. In Sikkim, carpets frequently feature the state's picturesque terrain, including its snow-capped mountains and flower-filled valleys.
(image credit:- asia inCH)
- Famous Handicrafts of Tamilnadu
Regarding the long-standing customs of intricate and culturally rich handicrafts, Tamil Nadu has developed over time. It is so widely used in the field of art and crafts that tourists from around the globe travel to the state to purchase such handcraft products. Everything is available in the form of exclusive art, from bronze and brass pieces to stone sculptures. Another well-known craft of India found in Tamil Nadu art is the art and paintings of Tanjore.
Pattamadai mats, Chola bronzes, Kanchipuram sarees, Tanjore gold leaf paintings, stone craft, ceramics, papier mache, needlework, woodcraft, metalware, durries, musical instruments, etc. are some of the most adored Tamil Nadu handcraft products.
- Famous Handicrafts of Telangana
The Bidri craft, which comes from Bidar, is the art of engraving silver on metal using processes including casting, welding, inlaying, and oxidising. Gun metal is utilised in bidi art, which is used to create jewellery boxes, flower vases, and other items.
Those who practise Banjara needlecraft belong to the Banjara Tribe. This craft of India is made up of needlework with geometric motifs. Brightly coloured clothing is embellished with colourful and varied needlework, mirror work, beads, and shells.
Cheriyal Paintings from Telangana are also famous and depict the episodes from Indian mythological epics including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Garuda Purana, Krishna Leela, Markandeya Purana, and other mythical writings. They are written in a narrative style on a long, vertical piece of cloth. Cheriyal was used by traditional folk singers to visually depict the narrative as they were being spoken.
Apart from these, there are quite a few sarees that are famous from the state such as Narayanpet, Gadwal, Dharmavara, etc.
(image credit:- telangana tourism)
- Famous Handicrafts of Tripura
The handloom fabrics made in this hilly state in northeast India are known as Risa and Riha. These traditional handwoven textiles come in a variety of styles and textures and are quite popular with travellers who want to bring home unique souvenirs from their trip. Also, you may buy handmade bamboo jewellery, sculptures, mats, and lampshades at this store. They are ideal as gifts and mementoes because of their expert craftsmanship and affordable prices.
(image credit:- travel with passion)
- Famous Handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh
One of India's most culturally diverse states, Uttar Pradesh is noted for its traditional crafts of India, some of which date back to the prehistoric era, and reflect its old values and traditions. Stonecraft, Lucknowi Chikankari, Banarasi silk sarees, pottery, glassware, zari embroidery, hand paintings, metalware, and others are some of the state's notable handicrafts.
In addition to this, you may get excellent handmade carpets that are well-known in the Shahjahanpur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi districts. In the area of Moradabad, you can also find significant art metal brassware that produces remarkable traditional vases, stools, trays, idols of gods, and other similar ornamental pieces.
- Famous Handicrafts of Uttarakhand
The abundance of lumber in Uttarakhand's woods explains the growth and widespread use of wood carving in the region. The Likhai tradition of wood carving in Uttarakhand is a fundamental component of the hill culture.
Uttarakhand's chilly temperature is perfect for producing wool crafts of India. Woollen crafts are a speciality of the Bhotia Tribe. Kaangsuk (socks), gloves, shawls, Dumkar (blanket), Paagad (belt), and Saai are among the world's most popular caps.
(image credit:- the pure soul)
- Famous Handicrafts of West Bengal
In terms of handicrafts, West Bengal has a long-dated history. Tasar textiles from Birbhum, Bankura, Murshidabad, Hooghly, and Nadia districts are abundant in this region. The state has a wonderful collection of handloom and Baluchari saree. Due to their incredibly exclusive designs, these fabrics have garnered attention and love on a global scale.
In addition to clothing, West Bengal also produces a wide range of other handicrafts that call for adequate evaluation, such as jute items, conch-shell products, tant, jamdani, Kalighat painting, Patua painting, wood products, folk dolls, brass wares, etc. Ragdolls, terracotta, shola pith, and dhokra art are some of the other well-known local crafts.
- Famous Handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir is renowned for more than just its stunning vistas and shikara rides. When it comes to traditional crafts of India, this scenic state is well-known for its Cashmere sweaters, crewel embroidery, ari work, enamel work and Pashmina shawls. These exquisitely handcrafted shawls have the unique property of being able to fit through a finger ring with ease. Showpieces made of paper maché, saffron, and Kashmiri Kahwa also make wonderful gifts for close friends and family.
Famous India Handicrafts Hailing From Union Territories
- Carpet weaving and leather craft are two of the main handicrafts of Dadra Nagar Haveli. Skilled artisans from the place weave fantastic mats from bamboo fires and basketry works.
- Crafts from tortoise shells, leather crafts, textiles, pottery, handmade paper ivory carving, and mat weaving are famous in Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Delhi.
- The Andaman Islands are renowned for their woodworking and carpentry, and the Administration also offers training in these fields. Numerous businesses produce furniture and other items from decorative woods including Paduak, Chui, marble wood, etc.
Having gone through the comprehensive list of rich handicrafts in India, we bet you are now thinking about where to plan your next vacation to collect these amazing pieces of craftsmanship.
Hold your horses, you don’t have to go on a vacation for collecting these artefacts, with iTokri’s amazing and unique collection of handicrafts from India you can now go on a shopping spree, sitting comfortably on your couch!
Enjoy shopping and learning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which state is famous for handicrafts?
Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Orissa and Northeastern states are famous for buying Indian handicrafts.
Which handicraft is famous in India?
Woodcarvings, blue pottery, tribal jewellery, brassware, phulkari and bamboo and cane products are some of the famous handicrafts of India.
Which handicraft is famous in Maharashtra and Odisha?
Paintings from both states are counted among the famous crafts of India. Orissa hosts a set of Pattachitra paintings whereas Maharastra has Warli paintings.
What is the famous handicraft in Telangana?
Bidri Craft and Banjara Needlework are famous handicrafts of India that come from Telangana.
What is the famous handicraft in Punjab?
Phulkari is the most well-known handicraft hailing from Punjab. The embroidery of flowers on shawls and dupattas is one of the main aspects of Phulkari. It is popular both in India and worldwide.
What is the famous handicraft in the North East Indian states?
The famous handicrafts of North East Indian states are Cane and bamboo furniture pieces, brass crafts, wooden crafts, hand-block printing, stonework and jute artefacts.
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