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Republic Day 2022: Experience India Through Its Traditional Art And Craft

India is a land of culture, with every region having its own traditional art and craft, from phulkari in Punjab to Tanjore in Tamil Nadu.

By: Anushka Goel Published: Jan 23, 2022 01:00 PM IST

Image: Shutterstock

India is a land of culture. With every region varying in terms of landscape, geography and people, the traditional arts and crafts from phulkari in Punjab and pashmina in Kashmir to Tanjore paintings in Thanjavur, the amount of crafts available in the country is uncountable. And they all have their own history! By Anushka Goel

Visit any corner of India, and you’re bound to find traditional art and crafts of the region lining the shops and decorating the walls of homes. Artwork and clothes in various hues and styles are often found in marketplaces such as the trade fair, Surajkund Mela, or Dilli Haat bur ever wondered where it all comes from?

This Republic Day, explore India through some of its traditional art and craft.

Traditional art and craft present in India

Pashmina and papier-mache of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh

While Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a state, the crafts from this region deserve a place on the list because of their exquisite quality and beauty. Pashmina is a thread woven from an exotic variety of goat that is only found in the Ladakh-Jammu-Kashmir region, 15,000 feet above sea level. When woven, it makes superfine shawls that are beautiful to look at and extremely warm. If you’re visiting the region, do find a shop that sells pashmina shawls and buy a few for yourself and your friends and family – they’re a great collectable and are extremely useful, too.

Papier-mache is another traditional craft from the region. Paper is mixed with additives to make pulp, which is then made into beautiful everyday usable items such as pen stands, pencil cases, trays, boxes and even toys. These products are lightweight, strong, and have intricate designs painted onto them.

Chamba rumal, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba rumals are traditional embroidered handkerchiefs that are often given as gifts during weddings. Patronised by the former rulers of the Chamba kingdom, these motifs, mostly geometrical and floral in nature, are made on handkerchiefs of khaddar, muslin and fine silk materials and are bright and colourful.

Wooden carving and Aipan, Uttarakhand

Wood carving is one of the most popular forms of traditional art and craft in Uttarakhand. Most Garhwali homes have an intricately carved wooden entrance door that makes them special. And the state has several palaces and temples where the traditional wood carvings can be seen.

Aipan is another traditional art form made mostly by women in homes using geru and rice paste. These traditional designs are often geometric in nature.

Phulkari, Punjab

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One of the most popular forms of threadwork in north India, phulkari uses bright threads embroidered on cloth in geometric, floral patterns. Phulkari dupattas are extremely popular, and their bright hues can easily brighten up any plain outfit. If you’re visiting Punjab, do buy some for friends and family!

Sarkanda craft, Haryana

Sarkanda is a weed/reed that grows in the state, and once it dries, it is woven into lightweight stools secured with cotton treads or sutli (thick jute threads). This weed is also used to make chairs, benches and tables, and they are extremely sturdy and lightweight, making them easy to carry around the house, wherever needed.

Lac bangles and puppetry, Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a lot of traditional art and craft, but the most popular ones are its lac bangles and puppets (katputli). Lac bangles are made from a gummy, resinous secretion by the female insect called Tachardia lacca. They feast on host trees and leave behind the hard secretion, which is used to make these bangles. They’re available along the markets of Rajasthan, and are also considered auspicious for the newlywed brides, writes World Art Community.

Katputli is a popular form of entertainment in Rajasthan, where puppeteers use stringed puppets (katputli) to entertain audiences. People can also buy these puppets as decorations for their homes or as a collectible.

Chikankari work, Benarasi weaves and marble work, Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is known for many things — Lucknow’s Tundey Kebab, Varanasi’s famous ghats or Agra’s Taj Mahal. The state is also known for its traditional art and craft, especially chikankari work and Banarasi silk.

Chikankari is embroidery done on cotton or georgette cloth. Chikankari kurtis and sarees are extremely popular as summer wear, and while you can get the best material from Uttar Pradesh, a lot of cities (especially Delhi) sell these pieces at stores and haats.

Banarasi silk is known for its opulent gold or silver brocade weaves and zari work. Banarasi sarees and suits, which are often made in rich, bright shades, are popular options for wedding wear, especially for close families of the couple. While the best Banarasi can be bought in Varanasi at affordable rates, several clothes brands, including luxury houses, use the cloth and weaving styles in their clothes.

Uttar Pradesh’s Agra is known for its marble work, and it’s no wonder, since the Taj Mahal is situated here! If you’re visiting, then apart from the famous Agra petha, do bring with you some marble decorative goods, incense stick holders, mortar and pestle, and more.

Madhubani, Bihar

One of the most popular traditional art and craft in India, Madhubani paintings come from Madhuban in Bihar. Earlier done by women on mud walls using natural colours, now these are replicated on paper, cloth and canvas. A great way to experience Madhubani art is to visit the regions it is made, and as a collectible, you should pick up a few Madhubani bookmarks, dupattas, and more!

Carpet weaving and Choktse tables, Sikkim

One of the most popular crafts of Sikkim, carpet weaving is also among the oldest art forms there.  Said to be largely done by the women of the Bhutia community, these carpets require a frame loom, writes Bharat Online, and use traditional patterns and hand-knots.

Choktse tables are also popular in Sikkim. These are small side tables that are intricately carved and can be used as a small chest of drawers.

Bamboo craft and weaving, Arunachal Pradesh

The northeastern region of the country is known for its abundance of bamboo. Arunachal Pradesh produces some beautiful bamboo and cane products, including baskets, jewellery, tablemats, runners, and more, all of which make great usable products as well as collectibles.

Another popular traditional art and craft of the state is its weaving – beautifully woven cloth with traditional graceful motifs in bright colours, mishmi shawls and more, that will make for a great addition to your wardrobe!

Water Hyacinth craft, bamboo products and Mekhela Chador, Assam

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Bamboo is a commonly used good in Assamese homes, like in most northeastern regions, and the material finds a place in everyday household materials, construction of homes, and more. Another popular craft from the region is water hyacinth purses, bags and more, made from the stem of the flower that grows aplenty in the region.

If you’re visiting Assam, be sure to buy a Mekhela Chador – the traditional dress of the region. Its beautiful patterns and unique draping style makes it stand out, and you’re sure to receive compliments when you step in at a function wearing this outfit!

Naga shawls, Nagaland

Naga shawls are popular in the region. The patterns on these warm shawls depend on the tribe that has handwoven them, and they look beautiful even when draped over regular jeans and a sweater. They’re available in various colours, though red, white and black threads are the most common and popular ones. Bamboo craft and wooden carvings of the region are also popular art forms in the region.

Stone carving and kaun grass weaving, Manipur

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Among the popular traditional art and craft in Manipur is its stone carving. In the Bishnupur district, daily use products such as bowls, teacups and teapots, candle stands, glasses etc are made using this craft. You can also find these products in places such as Dilli Haat and craft festivals across India, and they’re usually sourced from craftsmen in Manipur.

Another popular craft of the region is using products such as bags, mats, mattresses and more using kaun grass, a reed that grows in the marshy wetlands of the region. The reed is soft and spongy inside, which makes it easy to bend and create square and spherical shapes.

Weaving and bamboo work, Mizoram

Mizoram is known for its traditional woven cloth, which is available in a variety of colours and can be used in a variety of ways. The other traditional crafts of the region include bamboo and cane products.

Handloom, Tripura

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Handloom is the oldest industry in Tripura, and the tribals here make their own clothes with beautiful traditional designs, unique colour combinations, and more. The traditional items produced are Risa and Rihathe oldest industry in the State, and the tribal people produce their clothes with elegant designs, unique colour combinations and lasting texture. Risa is a cloth used as an item of upper clothing for women, as headgear or even a scarf.

Bamboo products and weaving, Meghalaya

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Like other northeastern states, Meghalaya, too, is known for its unique bamboo and cane products such as baskets, decorative hangings and more. The state is also known for its textile and carpet weaving, with the goods made here having a unique texture and designs on them.

Kantha and shola craft, West Bengal

Kantha is a simple running stitch done on cloth that creates beautiful patterns. Done on shawls, coats, caps, kurtis and more, the stitch adds a graceful, rich feel to the outfit, and looks great as officewear, too.

Shola craft is made from Sholapith, which is a dried, milky-white spongy plant matter from the Aeschynomene species. This plant grows in marshy waterlogged areas. Traditionally, these products have been used to make headgear and decorative pieces for Hindu idols, and are also used to make the headgear worn by Bengali brides and grooms.

Jadupatua and Sohrai paintings, Jharkhand

Jadupatua paintings are traditionally done by the Santhal tribe of Jharkhand, which is the third-largest tribe in India. Jadupatua means ‘magic painters’, and Santhals are famed as jadupatuas as they traditionally roam from village to village with their painted scrolls, depicting stories of life, death and the underworld. These paintings are done on cloth or paper using natural materials such as soot, vermilion, and mud.

Sohrai painting gets its name from the harvest festival of the same name. Designs inspired by nature are traditionally painted on walls using natural colours by the womenfolk. However now, these paintings are also done on items such as pots and lamps for people to purchase as collectibles.

Dhokra craft, Chhattisgarh

Popularly done by the people of the Bastar and Raigarh districts, this traditional art and craft use bell metal which is moulded into figurines of a dull gold hue. They make for a great addition to homes, especially minimalistic settings, and can add a pop of culture and tradition to an otherwise modern house!

Gond paintings and chanderi cloth, Madhya Pradesh

Gond paintings are traditionally done by the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh. These artworks depict themes derived from nature, myths and legends. The unique paintings are mesmerising to look at and make for a great piece to be hung up on walls.

Chanderi cloth is a handmade combination of silk and cotton, which provides comfort and a slight sheen that silk is known for. It is often painted with traditional motifs such as flowers, peacocks and geometric designs, and sarees and suits made of this material make for great festive wear.

Bandhani and bead craft, Gujarat

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Bandhani is probably one of the most popular clothes in India. Made by tying cotton, silk or other cloth in various places to create beautiful patterns, bandhani is widely used to make dupattas, sarees, suits and even the traditional pagdi that many men in Gujarati and Rajasthani households wear.

Bead craft is popular in the Saurashtra and Khambat regions. Seed beads are woven into a cloth-like piece, which is then used to make jewellery or 3D decorative objects.

Gujarat has a lot more to offer in terms of traditional crafts, with a variety of cloth that is local to the regions. Ajrakh prints, mashru silk and pottery are just some of the traditional art and craft found here, and each has its own unique style and features.

Warli painting and Kolhapuri chappals, Maharashtra

Probably one of the most famous traditional art and craft in India is Warli painting, which is done by a tribal community in Maharashtra. These paintings, traditionally done by women on walls, depict themes such as marriage processions, festive celebrations, and those derived from nature. They are done using natural colours and are often in shades of white, done on a brick red base.

Kolhapuri chappals are another extremely popular craft from the region. This cost-effective footwear goes great with traditional kurtas for men or even a simple top and jeans and is often worn by college-going students.

Pattachitra, Odisha

It is a traditional, cloth-based scroll painting done in the region. The art form is also done traditionally on dried leaves and is known for intricate designs depicting mythological narratives and folktales. Originally created for ritual use, these can be purchased as souvenirs and are available as paintings, bookmarks and more.

Bidri craft, Telangana

The craft, which originated in Bidar, involves engraving silver onto metal. The black metal base is cast, welded, inlayed and oxidised, and the craft is used to make cases, jewellery, boxes and more.

Kondapalli toys and Kalmkari, Andhra Pradesh

Kondapalli toys are traditional toys made using a softwood called Tella Poniki. It is a 400-year-old craft tradition, and the toys feature various themes such as mythology, flora, fauna, and more.

Kalamkari (kalam=pen and kari=art work) is a style of painting in Andhra Pradesh that is done on cotton cloth. The process of making these designs involves a lot of steps, from dyeing, bleaching and hand painting, to block printing, cleaning and more. The motifs used in these paintings include animals such as elephants, horses, fish and peacocks and various flowers and mythological figures. It is done using natural colours and is done in two styles – Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti.

Sandalwood carving, Karnataka

The fragrant wood, known for its aromatherapy and skincare properties, is a hard-textured wood, which makes it ideal for carving. Boxes, photo frames and even doors are made using sandalwood, with intricate designs painstakingly carved onto them, including traditional motifs, elephants and more.

Seashell craft, Goa

The beach state has an abundance of seashells, and products made from the same – statues, miniatures, jewellery, and even boat replicas – are popular souvenirs that one can buy if they visit the state.

Kathakali masks, Kerala

Kathakali is a popular folk dance from Kerala and is known for the beautiful face masks that dancers traditionally wear. These masks, made from material such as papier-mache or clay, make for a great souvenir if you’re visiting the state.

Tanjore painting, Tamil Nadu

A popular traditional art and craft from the region, Tanjore paintings use real gold leaf, bright colours, glass beads, inlays and more to create a beautiful piece of art. These are intricate and painstakingly made by hand, which gives them a unique touch.

Related: Explore India’s January Harvest Festivals Through The Food That Makes Them Special

Written By

Anushka Goel