8 Indian Cities Famous for Their Handicrafts

8 Indian Cities Famous for Their Handicrafts

Hello Everyone,

Handicrafts are something unique which adds special touch to the interior designing of the houses for which people generally crave for. India is a nation which is full of skilled and efficient craftsmen, artists and laborers who are indulged in designing various unique handicrafts. Indian handicrafts vary according to the state, culture, religion, traditions etc.  There are many Indian cities which are famous for their unique handicrafts.

Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Uttarakhand

Stone carvings in Ellora Caves of Uttarakhand, CC BY-SA 3.0

The art and crafts of Uttarakhand are very popular. It is also known for wood and stone carvings.  The influence of Mughals can be found in the paintings of famous Garhwhal region of Uttaranchal Pradesh. The university Museum in Srinagar is famous for unique and exclusive ‘Mughta’ paintings. The craftsmen of Uttarakhand are masters in wood carving as it is performed all over the state.

2. Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmiri embroidery, Photo by Mike Prince, CC BY 2.0

Handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir are popular all over the world. Different type of crafts done here are shawl weaving, wood carving, carpet weaving etc. Here, wood carving is done on some special kind of wood which is called walnut wood and can be found only in Kashmir. Basket making with the willow is also another famous handicraft of the state.

3. Himachal Pradesh

Handicraft store, photo by Steve, CC BY 2.0

In India, Himachal Pradesh is famous for its unique handicrafts.  This state is well known for its stone and metal statues and handmade wooden dolls. Carpets, rugs, crafts of leather, paintings and embroidery are some of the popular handicrafts which you will find in Himachal Pradesh.  It is a city which is a mixture of both beauty and cultural heritage dealing in unique arts and crafts which is winning the hearts of millions from ages.

4. Madhya Pradesh

Rock Paintings in Madhya Pradesh, photo by MarjoleinKatsma, CC BY-SA 2.0

Madhya Pradesh is famous for its unique folk paintings which represent the historic times in most beautiful way. These paintings are a mixture of both social and cultural ambiances. The painters who make these paintings are called ‘Chiteras’. Interesting fact about these paintings is that the abstracts of paintings are made using mud base and painters also use their fingers for etching the paintings.

5. Rajasthan

Pottery designs, photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru, CC BY 2.0

Thehandicrafts of Rajasthan are the dazzling combination of both colors and textures. Most of the people in Rajasthan are indulged in making certain crafts which is also their sole occupation in this state. Rajasthani craftsmen are also popular for their unique paintings, ivory crafts, and leather works. The place ‘Bundi’ is famous for miniature paintings of 18^th century. For making these paintings, painters of Rajasthan used colors which were extracted from minerals and vegetables.

6.Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi textiles of Uttar Pradesh, photo by Daderot, public domain

There arevarious cities in Uttar Pradesh which are famous for their different handicrafts.  Few of them are listed below:

Bhadoi, Shahjahanpur and Mirzapur

These cities are famous for the occupation of carpet weaving and have not only attracted Indian markets but also Chinese designs andinternational market. Craftsmen here also weave the carpets according to the taste of customers.

Moradabad

This city is famous for its metal ware. Here two types of engravings are done over the metal. One is called ‘Nakshi’ which is done on the surface made of tin while other one is called ‘khudai’ and is done on brass which is unpolished.

Khurja–

Khurja in Uttar Pradesh is famous for earthenware.  Potters here add colors to dull pottery and make them attractive and lively. These pots attract large number of visitors.

7.Kerala     

Headpiece art form worn by dancers of Kerala, photo by artifacts,CC BY-SA 2.5

Kerala is famous for paintings which are also displayed in various temples, palaces and churches. Paintings displayed in churches of Kerala represent different characters from Christian mythology. Apart from paintings, it is also famous for metal craft. Craftsmen in Kerala make effective use of raw materials and give their best to make beautiful metal crafts which are sold in both Indian market and abroad.

8.Goa

Artifacts in Goa State Museum, photo by Aaron C, CC BY-SA 2.0

Handicrafts in Goa are made from natural raw materials which can be found around Goa beaches and villages.  Different varieties of shell artifacts, jewellery and mirrors are available in the markets of Goa. Craftsmen here make various designer arts which are used as an item for interior decoration in houses. Wooden lacquer articles are one of the major attractions of South Goa.

Thus, India is one of the major exporters of handicrafts to the world market. Various artisans in India are engaged in Handicraft Industry. This industry is one of the major sources of income for more than six million artisans whichinclude women and craftsmen from weaker section of the country.

Author Bio

Architect and travel blogger, Rohit loves to travel and explore specialties of different states, be it art, culture or handicrafts. He shares his travelling stories on various websites related to travelling and is also the founder of website called TransIndiaTravels.com.