State wise Handicrafts in India

India is a country which has a rich handicrafts heritage since beginning. Every Indian state has their own traditional art form and famous for on-or-another handicrafts. These art and crafts are made by skilled people of that region and being passed down by generations-to-generations. Some of the famous Indian handicrafts and the states which are famous for these:

Andhra Pradesh:

- Kalamkari: Kalamkari is a traditional art form that involves hand-painting or block-printing on textiles using natural dyes. It often depicts mythological stories, scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and intricate floral designs. Kalamkari involves a complex process of outlining the design using a kalam (pen) and filling it with vibrant colors.
- Bidriware: Bidriware is a unique metalwork craft that originated in the town of Bidar in Karnataka and spread to neighboring Andhra Pradesh. It involves intricate silver inlay work on a blackened alloy of zinc and copper. Skilled artisans create stunning designs on various objects like vases, jewelry, and decorative items using a combination of techniques like engraving, inlaying, and oxidizing.

Arunachal Pradesh:

- Thangka Paintings: Thangka paintings are religious artworks that originated in Tibetan Buddhism and are also prevalent in Arunachal Pradesh. They are typically intricate scroll paintings on cloth or paper, depicting Buddhist deities, religious symbols, and mandalas. These paintings require great skill and attention to detail and serve as meditation aids and objects of devotion.
- Bamboo and Cane Craft: Arunachal Pradesh is known for its skilled craftsmanship in bamboo and cane work. Artisans create a variety of items, including baskets, hats, mats, and household objects, using different weaving techniques. The abundant availability of bamboo and cane in the region has led to the development of this traditional craft.

Assam:

- Assam Silk: Assam is known for its exquisite silk fabrics, particularly Muga silk and Pat silk. Muga silk is a golden-colored silk derived from the semi-domesticated silk moth Antheraea assamensis, while Pat silk is produced from the Bombyx textor silkworm. These silks are known for their natural sheen, durability, and intricate designs created through weaving or embroidery.
- Assam Tea Sets: Assam is famous for its tea production, and artisans craft beautiful tea sets using materials like brass, bell metal, and silver. These sets often feature intricate engravings and motifs, showcasing the artistic skills of Assamese craftsmen.

Bihar:

- Madhubani Paintings: Madhubani paintings, also known as Mithila paintings, are a traditional form of folk art practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar. These paintings typically depict natural elements, mythological figures, and scenes from religious texts. Artists use natural pigments and brushes made from twigs to create intricate patterns and designs, resulting in vibrant and eye-catching artworks.
- Sujini Embroidery: Sujini embroidery is a traditional quilting technique from Bihar. Artisans stitch multiple layers of fabric together using colorful threads to create intricate patterns and motifs. Sujini embroidery is known for its textured look and is used to make bedspreads, wall hangings, cushion covers, and other decorative items.

Chhattisgarh:

- Dhokra Art: Dhokra art is a traditional form of metal casting that dates back over 4,000 years. It involves the lost-wax technique, where a clay core is covered with wax threads and clay, forming a mold. Molten metal, typically brass or bronze, is poured into the mold, replacing the wax. Skilled artisans create figurines, jewelry, and other sculptures with intricate tribal-inspired designs using this ancient technique. Dhokra art is characterized by itsrustic charm and tribal motifs.

Goa:

- Pottery: Goa is known for its vibrant pottery tradition. Artisans create functional and decorative pottery items like pots, vases, and lamps using local clay. These pieces are often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, reflecting the coastal culture and aesthetics of Goa.
- Seashell Crafts: With its beautiful coastline, Goa has a thriving seashell craft industry. Artisans use seashells to create decorative items, jewelry, and souvenirs. The shells are intricately arranged and sometimes combined with other materials like beads and threads to form unique and eye-catching designs.

Gujarat:

- Bandhani: Bandhani, also known as tie and dye, is a traditional textile art form from Gujarat. Artisans skillfully tie small portions of fabric with thread to create intricate patterns, which are then dyed in vibrant colors. The tied portions resist the dye, resulting in beautiful and colorful designs. Bandhani fabrics are used to create sarees, scarves, and other garments.
- Patola Silk Weaving: Patola silk weaving is an ancient and intricate art form that produces exquisite double ikat silk fabrics. Patola sarees are highly prized and known for their rich colors and geometric designs. Skilled artisans dye and weave the silk threads to create intricate patterns on both sides of the fabric.
- Ajrakh Block Printing: Ajrakh is a traditional block-printing technique practiced in Gujarat. It involves the use of intricate wooden blocks to print designs on fabrics, particularly cotton and silk. The designs often feature geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Islamic-inspired motifs. Natural dyes, such as indigo and madder, are used to create the vibrant colors in Ajrakh textiles.

Haryana:

- Phulkari Embroidery: Phulkari is a traditional embroidery style from Haryana, characterized by its vibrant and intricate floral patterns. Artisans use colorful silk threads to create beautiful motifs on fabrics, such as shawls, dupattas, and garments. Phulkari embroidery is known for its rich heritage and is often passed down through generations.
- Woodwork: Haryana has a long tradition of woodwork, especially in regions like Rohtak and Faridabad. Skilled carpenters create furniture, decorative items, and wooden crafts using traditional techniques. Intricate carvings and detailed designs are prominent features of Haryanvi woodwork.

Himachal Pradesh:

- Kullu Shawls: Himachal Pradesh is known for its Kullu shawls, which are woven from fine-quality wool. The shawls feature vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and geometric designs. They are often adorned with decorative borders and are a popular traditional garment in the region.
- Metal Crafts: Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its metal crafts, particularly brass and copper items. Skilled artisans create a range of products such as utensils, religious artifacts, and decorative pieces using techniques like hammering, etching, and engraving. The metal crafts of Himachal Pradesh showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Jammu and Kashmir:

- Pashmina Shawls: Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its luxurious Pashmina shawls. Made from the fine wool of Pashmina goats, these shawls are known for their warmth, softness, and intricate designs. Skilled artisans weave delicate patterns using fine needles, and the shawls are often embellished with intricate embroidery or hand-painted designs.
- Kashmiri Carpet Weaving: Kashmir is renowned for its hand-knotted carpets, known as Kashmiri carpets. Artisans create intricate designs and motifs on these carpets using vibrant wooland silk threads. The weaving process involves knotting the threads onto a loom to form intricate patterns and designs. Kashmiri carpets are highly valued for their craftsmanship, quality, and artistic beauty.

Jharkhand:

- Dokra Art: Dokra art is a traditional form of metal casting that originated in Jharkhand and is prevalent in many tribal communities. It involves creating intricate metal sculptures using the lost-wax casting technique. Artisans make molds with clay and beeswax, and molten metal is poured into the molds to create stunning figurines, jewelry, and decorative items. Dokra art is known for its unique tribal motifs and rustic charm.
- Sohrai and Khovar Paintings: Sohrai and Khovar are traditional mural art forms practiced by the tribal communities of Jharkhand. Sohrai paintings are created using earthy colors and depict animals, birds, and natural elements. Khovar paintings are characterized by intricate geometric patterns and motifs painted in white on a dark background. Both art forms are created using natural pigments and hold cultural and symbolic significance.

Karnataka:

- Mysore Silk: Karnataka, particularly Mysore, is renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Mysore silk sarees are known for their exquisite quality and intricate designs. These silk sarees often feature gold zari work, vibrant colors, and traditional motifs like peacocks and flowers.
- Sandalwood Carving: Karnataka is famous for its intricate sandalwood carving. Artisans carve exquisite designs on sandalwood, creating beautiful figurines, sculptures, and decorative items. Sandalwood carving requires precision and expertise, and the final products have a delicate fragrance.
- Udupi Krishna Paintings: Udupi Krishna paintings are traditional folk art forms found in Karnataka, especially in the temple town of Udupi. These paintings typically depict Lord Krishna and his exploits. Udupi Krishna paintings are known for their vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and religious significance.

Kerala:

- Kathakali Masks: Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form of Kerala, and intricately designed masks are an integral part of its performances. Kathakali masks are made of wood and feature elaborate facial expressions and vibrant colors, representing various characters from mythology and folklore.
- Kasavu Sarees: Kasavu sarees are traditional sarees from Kerala, typically worn on special occasions. These sarees have a distinctive gold border called kasavu, which is woven with golden threads. The rest of the saree is usually off-white or cream in color. Kasavu sarees are elegant and symbolize the cultural heritage of Kerala.
- Coir Crafts: Kerala is known for its coir industry, and artisans create a variety of coir crafts. These include mats, rugs, baskets, wall hangings, and decorative items made from coir fibers. Coir crafts showcase the natural beauty and versatility of coconut fiber.

Madhya Pradesh:

- Gond Art: Gond art is a traditional tribal art form practiced by the Gond community of Madhya Pradesh. It involves intricate paintings using natural colors and vibrant designs. Gond art often depicts nature, animals, and mythological stories. The use of intricate dots and lines gives these paintings a unique visual appeal.
- Bagh Print: Bagh print is a traditional hand-block printing technique from Madhya Pradesh. Artisans create intricate designs on fabric using wooden blocks and natural dyes. The designs often consist of geometric patterns and floral motifs. Bagh-printed fabrics are used to create sarees, dress materials, and home furnishings.

Maharashtra:

- Warli Painting: Warli painting is a tribal artform practiced by the Warli community of Maharashtra. These paintings feature simple and geometric designs, primarily using white pigment on a red ochre or mud-colored background. Warli art depicts scenes from daily life, rituals, and nature and is known for its minimalistic yet expressive style.
- Paithani Sarees: Paithani sarees are renowned silk sarees from Maharashtra. They are characterized by intricate zari work and colorful borders. Paithani sarees often feature peacock motifs, floral designs, and geometric patterns. The weaving process involves traditional techniques, resulting in luxurious and elegant garments.
- Kolhapuri Chappals: Kolhapuri chappals are handmade leather sandals or slippers crafted in the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. These chappals are known for their durability, comfort, and unique designs. Artisans skillfully cut and stitch the leather, adding decorative elements like braids and embellishments. Kolhapuri chappals have become popular not only in Maharashtra but also worldwide.

Manipur:

- Moirang Phee: Moirang Phee is a traditional handloom fabric from Manipur. It is woven using a combination of silk and cotton yarn, resulting in a lightweight and fine-textured fabric. Moirang Phee is known for its intricate motifs, delicate designs, and vibrant colors. It is used to make shawls, stoles, and other garments.
- Manipuri Pottery: Manipur has a rich pottery tradition. Artisans create various pottery items, such as pots, jars, bowls, and figurines, using locally available clay. The pottery is often adorned with intricate designs and motifs, reflecting the cultural heritage and artistic skills of Manipuri potters.

Meghalaya:

- Khasi Bamboo Craft: Meghalaya is known for its skilled artisans who create intricate bamboo crafts. They make a wide range of products, including baskets, furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. Meghalayan bamboo craft showcases the versatility and sustainability of this natural material.
- Khasi Jaintia Tribal Jewelry: The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya are known for their unique tribal jewelry. The jewelry is made using materials like silver, beads, and natural stones. The designs often reflect nature, with motifs like flowers, leaves, and animals. The craftsmanship and symbolism of Khasi Jaintia tribal jewelry are deeply rooted in the local culture.

Mizoram:

- Puan Fabric: Puan is a traditional handwoven fabric from Mizoram. It is typically made using cotton or silk threads and is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Puan fabric is used to create traditional Mizo attire like Puanchei (shawls), Puanpei (wraps), and other garments.
- Bamboo and Cane Craft: Mizoram has a strong tradition of bamboo and cane craft. Artisans create a variety of products such as baskets, mats, furniture, and decorative items using different weaving techniques. The use of bamboo and cane in Mizoram’s handicrafts showcases the sustainable and eco-friendly practices of the region.

Nagaland:

- Naga Tribal Weaving: Nagaland is known for its rich tribal weaving traditions. Each tribe has its distinct weaving techniques, motifs, and designs. Artisans use backstrap looms or frame looms to create intricate shawls, garments, bags, and accessories. Naga tribal weaving is characterized by vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and cultural significance.
- Woodcarving: Nagaland is also famous for its woodcarving tradition. Skilled artisans carve intricate designs on wood, creating decorative items, sculptures, and traditional objects like ceremonial masks. Woodcaring in Nagaland showcases the artistic skills and cultural heritage of the tribes in the region.

Odisha:

- Pattachitra: Pattachitra is a traditional art form from Odisha that involves intricate painting on cloth or palm leaf. Artists depict mythological stories, religious themes, and cultural traditions using vibrant colors and fine brushwork. Pattachitra paintings are characterized by intricate detailing and rich storytelling.
- Applique Work: Odisha is known for its exquisite applique work, particularly in the town of Pipli. Artisans create intricate designs by stitching brightly colored fabric pieces onto a base fabric. Applique work is used to create vibrant umbrellas, canopies, wall hangings, and decorative items.
- Dhokra Casting: Dhokra art, using the lost-wax casting technique, is practiced by tribal communities in Odisha. Artisans create metal figurines, jewelry, and decorative items with intricate tribal motifs and designs. Dhokra casting is known for its rustic charm and the use of eco-friendly materials.

Punjab:

- Phulkari Embroidery: Phulkari is a traditional embroidery style from Punjab, characterized by vibrant and intricate floral patterns. Artisans use colorful silk threads to create beautiful motifs on fabrics, such as shawls, dupattas, and garments. Phulkari embroidery is known for its rich heritage and is often passed down through generations.
- Punjabi Juttis: Punjabi juttis are traditional handcrafted footwear from Punjab. These intricately designed and embroidered leather or fabric shoes are known for their vibrant colors, ornate patterns, and fine craftsmanship. Punjabi juttis are a popular accessory, reflecting the cultural identity of Punjab.

Rajasthan:

- Rajasthani Miniature Paintings: Rajasthani miniature paintings are intricate and detailed artworks that depict mythological stories, royal court scenes, and everyday life. These paintings are known for their fine brushwork, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing. Different schools of miniature painting, such as Mewar, Marwar, and Jaipur, have their own distinct styles.
- Phad Paintings: Phad paintings are traditional folk paintings from Rajasthan. They are large cloth scrolls depicting epic stories like the tales of Pabuji and Devnarayan. The paintings are created using natural pigments and bold colors, and they often feature detailed narrative scenes and characters.
- Block Printing: Rajasthan is renowned for its block printing tradition. Artisans use intricately carved wooden blocks to print vibrant designs on fabrics like cotton and silk. Popular block-printed items include bedspreads, tablecloths, garments, and home furnishings. The blocks are dipped in natural dyes, and skilled craftsmen carefully print the designs onto the fabric.

Sikkim:

- Thangka Paintings: Thangka paintings are religious artworks that originated in Tibetan Buddhism and are also prevalent in Sikkim. These intricate scroll paintings on cloth or paper depict Buddhist deities, religious symbols, and mandalas. Thangka paintings require great skill and attention to detail and serve as meditation aids and objects of devotion.
- Sikkimese Thanka Embroidery: Thanka embroidery is a traditional craft of Sikkim that combines embroidery techniques with elements of Thangka paintings. Artisans create intricate designs on fabric using colorful threads, incorporating Buddhist motifs and symbols. Thanka embroidery showcases the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of Sikkim.

Tamil Nadu:

- Tanjore Paintings: Tanjore paintings are a classical art form from Tamil Nadu, known for their rich colors, ornate details, and 3D effects. These paintings often depict deities, religious scenes, and mythological stories.Artists use gold foil, precious and semi-precious stones, and vibrant pigments to create the elaborate and iconic Tanjore paintings.
- Kanchipuram Silk Sarees: Kanchipuram, a town in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its silk sarees. These sarees are handwoven using pure silk threads and feature rich zari work and intricate designs. Kanchipuram silk sarees are known for their lustrous appearance, vibrant colors, and traditional motifs.
- Chola Bronze Sculptures: Tamil Nadu is renowned for its exquisite Chola bronze sculptures, dating back to the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries). Skilled artisans use the lost-wax technique to create these intricate and finely detailed bronze sculptures of Hindu deities, saints, and mythological figures. Chola bronze sculptures are considered masterpieces of Indian art.

Telangana:

- Cheriyal Paintings: Cheriyal paintings are a traditional art form from Telangana, characterized by bold colors, simple lines, and distinctive narrative storytelling. These scroll paintings often depict mythological stories and folk tales, using natural pigments and bold brushwork. Cheriyal paintings are known for their vibrant and eye-catching visuals.
- Nirmal Paintings: Nirmal paintings are a traditional art form from the town of Nirmal in Telangana. Artists create intricate designs on wood using natural pigments, showcasing themes of nature, religious motifs, and historical events. Nirmal paintings are known for their fine detailing, vibrant colors, and glossy finish.
- Telangana Handlooms: Telangana has a rich tradition of handloom weaving. Artisans create a variety of handloom fabrics like Pochampally Ikat, Gadwal silk, and Mangalagiri cotton. These fabrics are known for their vibrant colors, unique patterns, and traditional weaving techniques.

Tripura:

- Bamboo and Cane Craft: Tripura is known for its skilled craftsmen who create a wide range of bamboo and cane products. These include baskets, furniture, mats, and decorative items. Tripura’s bamboo and cane craft showcases the versatility of these materials and the craftsmanship of the artisans.
- Handwoven Fabrics: Tripura is renowned for its handwoven textiles, particularly the tribal textiles of the state. Artisans weave fabrics using traditional techniques and incorporate motifs inspired by nature, tribal culture, and religious beliefs. Handwoven fabrics from Tripura reflect the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the region.

Uttar Pradesh:

- Chikankari Embroidery: Chikankari is a delicate and intricate embroidery style from Uttar Pradesh. Artisans create fine white threadwork on fabrics like muslin, silk, and cotton. Chikankari embroidery often features floral motifs and intricate patterns, giving garments a graceful and elegant look.
- Lucknow Zardozi: Zardozi is an elaborate and heavy embroidery technique using metallic threads, beads, and stones. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its Zardozi work. Artisans create stunning designs on fabrics, garments, and accessories, incorporating intricate patterns and rich embellishments.
- Varanasi Silk Weaving: Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is famous for its silk weaving tradition. Varanasi silk sarees, also called Banarasi sarees, are known for their opulence and intricate brocade work. Skilled weavers use gold and silver threads to create exquisite patterns, including floral motifs, architectural designs, and intricate borders.

Uttarakhand:

- Pahari Miniature Paintings: Pahari miniature paintings are a traditional art form from the Pahari region of Uttarakhand. These paintings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, love stories, and poetic verses. Pahari miniature paintings are known for their delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing.
- Wood Carvings: Uttarakhand has a rich tradition of wood carving. Skilled artisans create intricately carved wooden panels, sculptures, and decorative items using traditional techniques. Wood carvings from Uttarakhand often feature religious motifs, wildlife, and nature-inspired designs.

West Bengal:

- Kantha Embroidery: Kantha embroidery is a traditional art form from West Bengal. Artisans use simple running stitches to create intricate designs on fabrics, particularly on quilts, sarees, and other garments. Kantha embroidery often depicts folk motifs, nature, and everyday life.
- Terracotta Pottery: West Bengal is known for its terracotta pottery, particularly in the region of Bankura. Artisans create clay sculptures, figurines, and decorative items using the unique terracotta technique. Terracotta pottery from West Bengal showcases the artistic skills and cultural heritage of the region.
- Baluchari Silk Sarees: Baluchari silk sarees are traditional sarees from West Bengal. They are known for their intricate woven designs depicting scenes from Indian mythology and historical events. Baluchari silk sarees are distinguished by their elaborate pallus and rich color combinations.