Crafts of India

     Crafts of India are diverse and rich in history. Each state of India reflects the influence they had from different empires. Crafts is embedded as culture and tradition within the rural communities of India. These variety of crafts are source of inspiration to represent unique India at different global events.
     The traditional handicrafts are made by skillful artisans using simple tools and hands in most of the cases, sometimes mixing creativity with the touch of the heritage and tradition. Artisans mainly prefer using indigenous materials while some artisans prefer using modern non-traditional materials.
      I will talk more about Gujarati Handicrafts in this series of my blogs. Gujarat is a state in the western part of India, rich in culture and heritage. The ancient civilization of  Indus Valley inhabited in this region. Besides being well known for textiles and diamond industries, Gujarat has also given India its "Father of Nation" Mahatma Gandhi and "Iron Man of India" Sardar Vallabbhai Patel.
      Textile productions methods of Gujarat are well known. Paint and other applicants are used to form patterns on fabrics used for dupattas, ghaghras(long skirts) etc. Block printing is one of the most popular method to form patterns on ghaghras. Bandhani is a unique craft of Gujarat, fabric is tied at different sections before dyeing to create patterns. Along with such traditional clothes, the Gujarati women also adorns accessories such as bangles made of ivory and plastic, Conch shell and bead ornaments painted with brighter colors and decorated with glitter have in recent years become an accessory in both domestic and international markets.
     There are quite a few diverse and unique crafts associated with Gujarat, they include the famous Needlework, Bandhani, Beadworks, Patola, Woodwork, Pottery to name a few. In my next posts I will list details of these different and unique crafts of Gujarat. Till then.....