The term “craft” refers to a set of activities that involve skill, innovation and dedication of the apprentice to produce a desired object. Craft is a combination of ideas and their practical viability to bring out an art piece. On various occasions, term craft is used to explain the artistic practices that are related to decorative arts. An artifact has to have either utilitarian value or decorative value or both. The principle media for applying various crafts are wood, stone, clay, glass, textiles, metal and paper. Crafts can be classified in to two basic categories- handicrafts or the traditional crafts and the other crafts. Traditional crafts are those which are done in old ways- their methods, tools and the techniques have been in application for centuries. Some crafts are modern inventions; they are done with new tools, technique and media. The target recipients of these crafts are also different. Some crafts are yet of a different nature. These are the popularized crafts, which were originally done by a very small population and within small geographical area.

The term “Studio Craft” has been in limelight for some time. This term is used for the art practiced by independent artists working alone or in small groups. Studio crafts may include studio pottery, metal work, weaving, wood turning, glass blowing and glass art.

Most of the crafts require from apprentices, a combination of skill, speed and patience. These qualities help in making masterpieces of certain crafts. Artificers are wise and innovative, these qualities helps them to remain in the hunt for better offers and more worthy applause.

There are as many varieties of craft as their practitioners. Various sub- categories are derived from the principle medium. For example, the crafts involving textile as medium include Banner-Making, Calligraphy, Canvas Work, Cross-Stitch, Crocheting, Curve Stitching, Embroidery, Knitting, Lace Making, Lucet, Macramé, Millinery, Needle Point, Patchwork, Quilting, Ribbon-Embroidery, Rug Making, Sewing, Shoemaking, Spinning, Spirelli, String Art, Tapestry, Tatting And Weaving. Similarly, the crafts in wood, metal and clay as medium include Metalworking, Jewelry, Pottery, Sculpture, Wood Working, Cabinet Making, Chip Carving, Marquetry, Wood Burning and Wood Turning.

All arts and craft products totally created by hand are known as handicrafts. It is also called as crafts work or craft. Products which created from machines are not handicrafts. Crafts are simply created as necessary part of daily routine. We can consider traditional and cultural works as a crafts. Some most common examples of handicrafts are metal work, bead work, gardening, wooden work and glass work. Many schools and education center offering basic teaching classes on arts and crafts for short period of time.

In India, as elsewhere, craft began with man’s attempt to make tools to make his life easier. It went on to an attempt to improve on the natural resources available to him. As basic needs were met, craft became an expression of creativity, a record of the times and a celebration of faith.

Art that reflects daily life, implements created out of natural substances available in plenty, artifacts fashioned out of bio-degradable materials … be he ever so simple, and the most humble rural Indian artisan embodies the new sensibility. One who lives in harmony with its surroundings and creates no unnecessary toxic wastes.

Role of Handicrafts in India In India handicrafts plays an important role to represent the traditional and cultural part of India and also for economy of country. There is a massive demand of Indian handicraft products in country and also in worldwide market. Handicraft market has becoming economical hub for India.

Explore nature through the innovative fingers of the Indian crafts person. The perfect place to do so is craftsfromindia.com bringing to you the best of Indian craft at the convenience of a mouse click.

The term “craft” refers to a set of activities that involve skill, innovation and dedication of the apprentice to produce a desired object. Craft is a combination of ideas and their practical viability to bring out an art piece. On various occasions, term craft is used to explain the artistic practices that are related to decorative arts.

Crafts can be classified in to two basic categories- handicrafts or the traditional crafts and the other crafts. Traditional crafts are those which are done in old ways- their methods, tools and the techniques have been in application for centuries. Some crafts are modern inventions; they are done with new tools, technique and media. The target recipients of these crafts are also different. Some crafts are yet of a different nature. These are the popularized crafts, which were originally done by a very small population and within small geographical area.

The manifestation of the various qualities like aesthetic sense, artistic value and creative power of the artists is possible only through the various arts and crafts. These arts and crafts signify a great historic and cultural value. Through the curtains of art one can experience the magic of the wonderful traditions and life style of the past. Innovation has been a useful in digging the several mysteries of ancient cultures till today.

Every nation has its own variety of arts and crafts. India is a nation of a wide range of cultural diversity. It is often called unity in diversity. Starting from Kashmir situated in the north till kanyakumari in the south. Let it be Gujarat and Rajasthan in the west to the far eastern states like Manipur and Assam. Indian cultural diversity says it all.

India is a diversified country having varied range of cultures and customs. The Indian art and craft have become world famous. There is huge demand of Indian embroidered garments. There is huge variety of embroideries done in India, here are few of them which have got more fame in terms of popularity in international market : -

Zardozi embroidery

Zardozi work is an ancient form of embroidery basically done with gold or silver zari threads. It is also known as metal embroidery. Although now-a-days it is also done with colored metal threads. The word ‘Zardozi’ is derived by combining two words Zar and Dozi which in Persian language means gold and embroidery respectively. Therefore it is clear that this art of embroidery was originated in Persia which was bought to India by Moghuls. Initially it was done with real metal threads of gold and silver. It was done on clothes for the rich and royal, wall hangings, bedsheets, etc. In between the application of pearls and precious stones looks stunning on it. Basically it is done on silk, crepe, brocade and velvet fabrics. Zardozi embroidery saw its decline during the reign of Aurangzeb. It was revived after the independence.

Zardozi work is an extension of zari embroidery which is done with crochet hook. The embroidery done gives the appearance of chain stitch. The things required for doing zardozi are beads, dabka, coiled wires, sequins, etc.

As zardozi is done with coiled metal wires studded with stones, beads, etc is heavy in weight therefore is done on fabrics that are thick and heavy like silk, velvet, stain, crepe, etc. Thus the choice of fabrics is also royal and expensive. The design to be done is first traced on the fabric, then it is spread on the wooden frame. Further the embroidery is done by picking up single thread in the needle and sewing it into the cloth. This art requires patience and is quite complicated. Expertise is required to do it properly.

Earlier zardozi was done on wearable garments and bedspreads mainly for royal families. But now it has got into the reach of common people also. Clothes with zardozi are an integral part for any wedding or important functions as it depicts royalty. Apart from wearable garments, zardozi is also done on cushion covers, table cloths, wall hangings, fabric purses, etc. This embroidery is a costly affair.

Mirror Embroidery

Mirror embroidery is the specialty of Gujarat state. This work also originated in Persia during 13th century. Mirror work is never done alone, it is generally in combination with other types of stitches or embroideries. This embroidery is done with both large and small mirrors. Basically it was more utilized by Jats community. It is embroidered using colorful threads like red, green, blue, yellow, black, maroon, etc.

This art apart from Gujarat state is also practiced in neighboring state of Rajasthan and in appliqué art of Orissa. Many different types of stitches like cross stitch, buttonhole stitch and satin stitch are used in its combination. This art is often done by the aid of machine embroidery, but in some places it is still done through hand work which is more time consuming and a costly affair in comparison to the former technique. The mirrors used are of different shapes and sizes like round shape, diamond shape, square shape, etc. However round shape is the most common shape of mirrors used in this form of embroidery.

Mirror work is done on different fabrics and types of garments. Apart from ethnic garments it is crafted even on indo western clothes. It has huge demand in western countries. Mirror work is done on cushion covers, purses, bedsheets, curtains, wearable garments, wall hangings, decorative items, laces, etc. This embroidery has also seen the limelight of international ramp shows too.

Kantha Embroidery

Kantha is the traditional form of embroidery of West Bengal. It is running style of stitch. The embroidery is done on many layers of cloth. It is done on quilts, bedsheets, blankets, saris, salwar suits, stoles, napkins, etc.

It is also known as ‘Dorukha’. This word means making worn out garments into beautiful garments. Therefore it is also known as recycling art. In earlier times the worn out silk or muslin clothes where used to be put in piles and stitched together. It is believed that its date of origin lies during the era of Lord Buddha. They used to drape themselves with rags of clothes that were stitched together.

The artists usually embroidery images of human beings, animals, flowers, geometric designs and mythological figures. Generally the worker selects the figure of embroidery to which they relate to. There are different types of kantha done- Sujani kantha, Durjani kantha, Lep kantha, Archilata kantha, Rumal kantha and Oaar kantha.

Different types of patterns like jaal, folk life designs, dhan chori, etc are done in kantha embroidery. The rural women of West Bengal usually do it on cotton saris with thread taken from the borders of the sari and done all over.

Chikankari Embroidery

The state of Uttar Pradesh especially the city of Lucknow is considered to be the hub of Chikankari embroidery. Chikankari is derived from the word Chakeen that means elegant patterns on the fabric which is a Persian word. Earlier it was done with white thread on muslin clothes. However now it is been done on various types of fabrics like cotton, linen nylon, georgette, chiffon and synthetic fabrics. Apart from wearable garments it is also done on various other things like curtains, bedsheets, table cloths, pillow covers and cushion covers.

Unlike earlier times it is not only done on white colored cloths but also fabrics of various colors. But the thread used for the embroidery is generally white. Various motifs are embroidered through it like floral motifs which include flowers like rose, lotus, jasmine, creepers, etc.

There are many types of stitches used to make beautiful chikankari embroidery like chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, French knots and running stitch. The most beautiful is the motif having design created in the form of net or jhali all over the garment by generating thread tension. Shadow work is also done by chikan embroidery which is done on the opposite side of the garment.

There are three types of chikankari stitches ;

1) Jali work – It is done in the form of net design spread all over the fabric.

2) Flat stitches – The flat stitches are delicate and very fine stitch. It gives the look as if the embroidery is itself the texture of the garment.

3) Embossed stitches – This stitch provides beaded type of look to the garment.

The term “craft” refers to a set of activities that involve skill, innovation and dedication of the apprentice to produce a desired object. Craft is a combination of ideas and their practical viability to bring out an art piece. On various occasions, term craft is used to explain the artistic practices that are related to decorative arts. An artifact has to have either utilitarian value or decorative value or both. The principle media for applying various crafts are wood, stone, clay, glass, textiles, metal and paper. Crafts can be classified in to two basic categories- handicrafts or the traditional crafts and the other crafts. Traditional crafts are those which are done in old ways- their methods, tools and the techniques have been in application for centuries. Some crafts are modern inventions; they are done with new tools, technique and media. The target recipients of these crafts are also different. Some crafts are yet of a different nature. These are the popularized crafts, which were originally done by a very small population and within small geographical area.

The term “Studio Craft” has been in limelight for some time. This term is used for the art practiced by independent artists working alone or in small groups. Studio crafts may include studio pottery, metal work, weaving, wood turning, glass blowing and glass art.

Most of the crafts require from apprentices, a combination of skill, speed and patience. These qualities help in making masterpieces of certain crafts. Artificers are wise and innovative, these qualities helps them to remain in the hunt for better offers and more worthy applause.

There are as many varieties of craft as their practitioners. Various sub- categories are derived from the principle medium. For example, the crafts involving textile as medium include Banner-Making, Calligraphy, Canvas Work, Cross-Stitch, Crocheting, Curve Stitching, Embroidery, Knitting, Lace Making, Lucet, Macramé, Millinery, Needle Point, Patchwork, Quilting, Ribbon-Embroidery, Rug Making, Sewing, Shoemaking, Spinning, Spirelli, String Art, Tapestry, Tatting And Weaving. Similarly, the crafts in wood, metal and clay as medium include Metalworking, Jewelry, Pottery, Sculpture, Wood Working, Cabinet Making, Chip Carving, Marquetry, Wood Burning and Wood Turning.

Different kinds of rock originated on earth after numerous geological activities. These rocks with their different compositions came to be called stones like Redstone, Soapstone, Sandstone, Limestone, Marble, Granite and many others. Indian landmass is also made up of several kinds of rocks and the stone obtained here has been used in making forts, palaces, temples, sculptures, household items and for other miscellaneous purposes. In India, stone crafting traditions have their roots in pre-historic times, as at that time the weapons and other tools were made of stone. More professional approach in stone craft came in 7th century BC. During this time, several guilds of stone carvers and masons existed in India. During Maurya rule stone craft reached to its perfection. A number of rock stupas, rock cut caves and Buddhist chaityas were raised during this period. In India, all kind of stone sculptures and structures used to be made according to Shilpshastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on sculpture and architecture.

Region Wise Study of Stone Craft in India

In India, there are some regions that are specifically rich in stone culture. A classical culture prevails there of stone crafts. Depending upon the type of stone found and the tools used, the style and the finishing has been different and unique.

Stone Carving Practices of Orissa:

Stone carving is one of the major handicrafts of Orissa. Several archaeological monuments, rock-cut sculpture, carves and magnificent temples testify the claim. All these have undergone intricate and very fine stone carving by the deft hands of the artisans. The temples of Puri, Konark, Lingaraj, Parasurameshwar and Mukteshwar are just the wonders crafted in stone. Whereas the stupas erected at Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri are just par-excellence. The art of stone crafting reached pinnacle in the ancient and the early medieval period in Orissa with detailed exploration of each and every nuance of the stone craft. This art has automatically passed on to the present generation from their earlier generations. The present breed is not far behind its predecessors in creating the exact replica of the old masterpieces. Similarly, small sculptures are also made in big quantity catering to the huge demands of the visitors and the locals.

Stone Carving Practices of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has, though scarcity in wood and forest but it has abundant stone mineral.The landmass of Rajasthan is rich in different rocks like Granite, marble, Quartzite, Slate and other metamorphic rocks. The forts and palaces of Bharatpur, Baroli, Ramgarh, Nagda, Ajmer, Chittor, Mandsore, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Udaipur have been made using these stones. The jaaliwork or the latticework of Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner is of fine quality and intricate finish. Rajasthan has most significant quarries of marble at Makrana. The marble mined here is used profoundly in the world famous stone sculpture of Taj Mahal as well as the stone wonder, Dilwara Jain Temple at Mt. Abu. The artistry in Dilwara Jain temple is exquisite, fine, intricate and just fascinating. Different places of Rajasthan are famous for different kind of stones found. Kota is the center of production of grey stone which is used in floor making. Similarly Barmer and Ajmer are famous for Yellowstone and granite respectively. Beautiful statues of deities are made using the soft stone mined from the quarries of Dungarpur. Jaipur is the place where sculptures of all kinds are made by white marble. The statues of deities carved in Rajasthan are sent to all areas of the country.

Stone Art Practices of Uttar Pradesh

Mathura, Varanasi and Agra are the famous centers for stone craft in Uttar Pradesh. Some pieces of stone sculptures have been found from the excavations at Mathura and other adjacent areas belonging to Maurya period. The interesting fact is that lavishly used stone in these sculptures is the red sandstone mined from the Chunar. It indicates that this land once used to be the center of stone carving art some thousands of years back. During medieval period under the Mughal rule, several beautiful palaces and forts were constructed chiefly with the help of stone. Some fascinating examples of the stone sculptures if Uttar Pradesh are: Red fort of Agra, The Taj Mahal, the palace of Fatehpur Sikri, The tomb of Akbar at Sikandara and many more.

In the present times the focus of the stone craftsmen is changing towards exploring new kinds of stones as well as new article to be made. Nowadays they make the stone sculptures that beautify the home or the gift articles like candle stands, ashtrays, jewelry boxes, and Taj replicas. Carved pillars, railings and fireplaces are the architectural objects that the craft persons are making. Rupbas near Agra and Karauli are the quarries which have produced the red stone used in the forts and palaces Agra, Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri.

At Varanasi the stone used is not hard marble but soft stone called Gorara. This is the stone that is brought from the Hamirpur and Mahoba areas. This stone has a unique quality to change its colors on polishing. Bowls and the servicing dishes are the popular products made of gorara stones. Sonia and Kalimohal areas of Varanasi and Gokulpura area of Agra are the centers of the main activities of stone craft in U.P.

Stone Art Practices of Southern India

In southern India, the temple architecture of Hoyasalas at Halebid and Belur are most exquisite and splendid example of stone craft. 57 Feet tall stone statue of Jain saint Gomateshwara at Shrabanbelgola is another example of marvelous stone art. Similarly, the ruins of Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi in Bellary are also the samples of glorious Indian tradition of Stone craft.

Other classic stone examples of stone craft in the southern part of India are: Meenakshi Temple Madurai and its 1000 pillared mandaps, Chidambaram Temple with beautiful panels depicting 108 karanas of the Natya Shastra, Kanchipuram accommodating a number of temples from he era of Pallawas to Nayaks and Granite carvings at Mamallapuram and Chingalpet. The Kailash temple at the Ellora caves is the monolithic structure whose craft is just unique and astonishingly beautiful.

The history of Indian handicrafts is an old saga.To peep in to the traces of Indian handicrafts we need to go back to almost 5000 years from now. The first references to Indian handicrafts can be found from the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.). The craft tradition in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the patrons and royalty, along with an eye for foreign and domestic trade. These craft traditions have withstood the ravages of time and numerous foreign invasions and continue to flourish till date owing to the assimilative nature of Indian culture and broadmindedness of the handicraftsmen to accept and use new ideas. Indus Valley Civilization.

The Indus valley civilization had a rich craft tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the field of pottery making, sculpture (metal, stone and terracotta), jewelry, weaving etc. A lot of material information from excavations at Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro etc. substantiate the craft tradition of the Indus valley civilization. The craftsmen not only catered to all the local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via ancient sea routes.
Vedic Age

The Indus Valley Civilization was followed by the Vedic age (1500 B.C.), when the Vedas were written. There are numerous references in the Vedas on artisans involved in pottery making, weaving, wood crafting etc. The Rig Veda in particular refers to a variety of pottery made from clay, wood and metal. It also refers to weavers and weaving.
State Empires

The concept of state was ushered by the rise of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. It is said that during the time of Ashoka 84,000 stupas were built in India, including the world famous Sanchi Stupa, which has beautiful stone carving and relief work done on it. Numerous sculptures from Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati, Vaishali, Sanchi etc show female figures adorned with an array of jewelry, which continues to inspire contemporary jewelry making. The iron pillars of Vaishali (Bihar) and Delhi, created during the time of Emperor Ashoka, are a marvel in the field of metallurgy.
Post Mauryan Age

The period between 1st century B.C. and 1st century A.D. was a period of political turmoil as a result of foreign invasions from central Asia. The impact of these intrusions can be seen in the Buddhist sculptures from Taxila, Begram, Bamiyan, Swat valley etc (all from the present day Pakistani North West Frontier province) which show a high degree of Greek influence. The depiction of Buddha, having curly hair and wearing draperies, until date is the result of this Greek influence. The sculpture of the Kushan king Kanishka from this period depicting him wearing leather boots and a heavy warm coat amply reflects the influence of the central Asian Culture on Indian craftsmanship. Jewelry, sculpture, textile making, leather products, metal working etc. were the main handicrafts that inherited these foreign influences and assimilated them in accordance with the Indian milieu.
Gupta Age

The Gupta (AD 320-647) age is referred to as the classical period in Indian history. The points in the field of craft include the rock cut temples of Ellora and the Ajanta murals. These murals give us a realistic view of the lifestyle of that time. The craftsmen of this period, under royal patronage excelled in jewelry making, woodcarving, sculpture, stone carving and weaving.

Medieval India

The Medieval period of Indian history in the context of handicrafts showed a marked shift from north India to the Deccan and southern parts of the country, though the handicraftsmen under the Delhi Sultanate period flourished in the field of pottery, weaving, wood carving, metal working, jewelry etc. The contribution of the Cholas and the Vijaynagar Empire in the field of bronze sculpture, silk weaving, jewelry, temple carving is beyond parallel. The fine example of stone carving from central India can be seen in the form of the Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandelas. Rich and ornate wood and stone carving can be found in medieval temple of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa.