12 Most Amazing Handicrafts of India.

From time immemorial, India is known for its customs. As far as art and culture are concerned, India features amongst the topmost rated culturally rich countries in the world. The handicrafts of India have been loved and respected worldwide and have left everyone awestruck. Many rural people still earn their livelihood from their creative pieces of art and India has still managed to preserve its artisans, its art and its handicrafts.

Pashmina Shawls.
Pashmina is a fine type of wool. Its textiles are first woven in Kashmir. These shawls are made from a fine type of cashmere wool and are then transported to the valley of Kashmir in northern India, where it is entirely hand processed. All steps from combing and spinning, to weaving and finishing, is entirely carried out by hand by dedicated craftsmen and women. The major centre of Pashmina fabric production is the old district of Srinagar. The approximate craft time put into producing a single Pashmina shawl is 180 hours. They come in beautiful vibrant colours and have exquisite embroidery on them and at the same time can keep you warm and are also known for their softness.

Woodwork.
The northern states of India have a rich tradition of the woodwork. Regions in Punjab are famous for its exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artefacts made from the walnut trees. The artisans of Chhattisgarh specialise in wooden crafts like masks, doors, window frames and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys which are always in a pair. The woodcarvings of Goa are an aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. Endowed with abundant forests, woodwork is a popular craft in South India. It is mainly done on rosewood and sandalwood. Red sandalwood from Andhra Pradesh is used to make cutlery, dainty boxes and paper knives in various designs. Madurai (a city in Tamil Nadu), is popular for its rosewood carvings. Karnataka is famous for beautiful elephants, images and furniture made from rosewood. Sandalwood is also used to make utility and decorative items, which are etched with designs of flowers, creepers, birds and animals. Magnificent figurines of females are carved out of Kumbli wood in Kerala.

Pottery.
Pottery is considered to be the most sensual form of all arts. The tradition of handmade pottery is prevailing in India since the time of Harappan Civilisation. North India is also known for various kinds of pottery designs, ranging from colours like orange, brown and light red in Uttar Pradesh to black and dark red in Himachal Pradesh. In Rajasthan, Bikaner is famous for its painted pottery, Pokhran for its pottery with geometrical patterns and Alwar for its Kagzi pottery. The blue pottery of Jaipur is also very famous. The potter occupies a unique position in the craft traditions of India.

Leather.
The age-old convention of leather skill in India is proved by ancient sages and ascetics. In the past, leather was not only used in making clothes and footwear but also in making caps, bags, saddles, shield etc. India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather craft. Various leather items are produced like shoes, bags and garments. Maharashtra is also famous for its leather shoes called Kolhapuri chappals.

Jute.
Jute craftsmen have created a worldwide position in the field of jute handicrafts. The huge range of jute crafts includes bags, office stationeries, bangles and other jewellery, footwear, wall-hangings and many more. India is a centre for jute handicrafts and people all over from the globe visit the jute handicrafts fairs to buy these works of perfection. West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, being the leading jute producers, pilot the jute handicrafts market in India.

Shell.
There are three kinds of shell from which shell handicrafts are made in India ? conch shells, tortoiseshell and seashell. Different kinds of goods like bangles, forks, decorative bowls, lockets, curtains, chandeliers, mirror frames, table mats, etc. are the products of shell handicrafts. In general, the places located on the seashore like Gulf of Mannar, Goa, Odisha, etc. are the places for shell handicraft and these art pieces are found in abundance here at a lower price.

Brass Handicrafts.
Brass is known for its durability, and this feature adds to its advantage when used as handicrafts. Different items made of brass like Lord Ganesha's figure in different postures, vases, table tops, perforated lamps, ornament boxes, wine glasses, and many more are widely used in many Indian houses even today. These artisans dealing with brass handicrafts are distinctively known as "Kansaris". The manufacturing of brass handicrafts is mainly done in Rajasthan.

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